The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has denied reports alleging that its personnel demanded a bribe from one Mr Shebb Ugochukwu.
This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by the Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, who described the publication as misleading, mischievous, and a calculated attempt to tarnish the image of the Corps.
He explained that the allegation stemmed from a 2022 traffic incident in which Mr Ugochukwu was lawfully stopped and booked for traffic offences, including the use of worn-out tyres and not having a spare tyre.
“The claim that FRSC officers demanded a bribe and, upon refusal, unjustly booked Mr Ugochukwu is not only baseless but clearly aimed at inciting public resentment against the Corps,” he said.
The spokesman clarified that the matter brought before the Abia State High Court, and later the Court of Appeal, was strictly a fundamental human rights enforcement case and not a criminal trial involving bribery.
He stressed that at no point during proceedings in either court was bribery mentioned, canvassed, or proven against any FRSC personnel.
“It is, therefore, deceitful and irresponsible to publish a report inferring that bribery was adjudicated upon or established in the course of the proceedings,” he said.
Ogungbemide noted that the High Court initially awarded N30 million against the FRSC, but this was later reduced to N10 million on appeal, with the appellate court criticising the plaintiff’s claims as “a desire for gold digging.”
Quoting the Court of Appeal’s judgment, he said the ruling warned against misuse of the judicial process for personal gain, citing a precedent set by the Supreme Court.
“It is deeply ironic that a party whose claims were characterised as gold-digging by the court would turn around to falsely accuse law enforcement officers of bribery,” he added.
Ogungbemide said the FRSC legal team is currently reviewing the procedural basis of the judgment and may consider further legal steps if necessary.
“We vehemently and unequivocally reject the false narrative that FRSC personnel demanded bribes during their interaction with Mr Ugochukwu.
This is a serious criminal allegation which was not canvassed or substantiated in any court of law,” he maintained.
He reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to transparency, accountability, and professional service delivery, adding that no amount of misinformation or manipulation would deter its mission of ensuring road safety in Nigeria.
He appealed for continued public support and understanding to enable FRSC personnel to carry out their duties with the diligence required to reduce road accidents and save lives.
(NAN)