By Ibironke Ariyo
The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Malam Shehu Mohammed has ordered in-depth investigation and immediate prosecution of a motorist who repeatedly assaulted an FRSC personnel.
Mohammed gave the directive in a statement by the Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO) Mr Olusegun Ogungbemide on Monday in Abuja
The FRSC boss, who said he was highly disturbed by the spate of assault on personnel of the FRSC who were legitimately carrying out their statutory responsibilities, said it was totally uncalled for.
He hailed the Unit Commander, Chief Route Commander and the entire staff of the Lekki unit Command, Lagos, for exhibiting high level of professionalism and civility.
This, he said was amidst the provocative actions of the motorist, saying that their action represented the ideals of the Corps.
Mohammed said that the report of the assault case was recorded in November along Oko-Ado, Lekki Epe express way within the Lekki Unit Command general operations area, in Lagos State.
He said that the report revealed that at about 15:54pm, the patrol team flagged a Toyota Corolla with vehicle Registration number EPE690HH for seatbelt violation.
He added that at the request of the vehicle papers, it was discovered that the papers expired in December 2022 which prompted the impoundment of the vehicle.
“While the driver of the vehicle who contravened the law did not resist arrest, a particular lady who happened to be a passenger in the same vehicle became provocative.
“She however, verbally assaulted the arresting Marshal and threatened to prosecute them for doing their job.
“As if her threat was not enough, the lady went further to create a scene so as to conjure undeserving sympathy from other road users.
“When all of her antics did not play out, she opted on physical assault as could be seen in the viral video.
“She assaulted the personnel all the way from the point of arrest and refused to put an end to it even when the vehicle was finally impounded in the Lekki Command.
“When all efforts to bring her to calmness did not yield desired results, the Unit Commander engaged the Divisional Police Officer, Ajah Police Station.
“They swiftly deployed a team of men to arrest the lady and the driver for further investigation,”he said.
The corps marshal urged the motoring public to always channel their grievance through proper administrative processes or take appropriate legal actions rather than taking laws into their hands.
Mohammed warned the motoring public to put a halt to any form of assault on FRSC personnel henceforth.
He expressed optimism and believed that Justice would not only be served, but done speedily so as to serve as deterrent to other violent road users.
