Corps Marshal/Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed
By EZEKIEL OBI, Abuja-
Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has refuted allegations that its personnel solicited a bribe from Mr. Shebb Ugochukwu, labeling the claims as false and malicious.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by Corps Public Education Officer Olusegun Ogungbemide, the FRSC condemned a publication as a deliberate attempt to damage its reputation.
Ogungbemide clarified that the issue stemmed from a 2022 traffic stop where Ugochukwu was lawfully cited for clear violations, including using worn-out tires and lacking a spare tire.
“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 stated.
He emphasized that the related legal proceedings, initiated in the Abia State High Court and later appealed, centered solely on fundamental human rights enforcement, not bribery allegations.
“It is, therefore, deceitful and irresponsible to publish a report inferring that bribery was adjudicated upon or established in the course of the proceedings,” Ogungbemide said.
He noted that the Abia State High Court initially awarded N30 million against the FRSC, but the Court of Appeal reduced this to N10 million, criticizing the plaintiff’s demands as “a desire for gold digging.”
Quoting the appellate court, Ogungbemide added, “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.”
Ogungbemide revealed that the FRSC’s legal team is reviewing the judgment’s procedural grounds and may pursue further action 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 asserted.
Reaffirming the FRSC’s commitment to transparency and accountability, Ogungbemide stressed that no amount of defamation would deter the Corps from its mission to ensure road safety.
He urged the public to continue supporting FRSC officers in their efforts to reduce road crashes and save lives.
