By Nnamdi Okosieme
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has reacted to a trending video and public concerns regarding an incident involving its patrol team from RS7.14 Central Business District Unit Command on Thursday, 16 April 2026.
A statement released by Osondu Ohaeri, the Corps spokesman, stated that contrary to the narrative being circulated, the incident arose during a routine traffic enforcement operation along the CBD axis, where a vehicle was lawfully intercepted for identifiable traffic violations, including overloading and seatbelt non-compliance.
Ohaeri said in line with standard procedures, appropriate steps were taken to enforce compliance.
He noted that during the course of the operation, the driver became non-compliant and diverted from lawful directives, creating a scene that attracted public attention and increased tension within the area.
The FRSC spokesman said as the situation evolved, a crowd gathered, thereby raising security concerns and the potential for disorder.
“It is important to categorically state that at no time did any FRSC personnel assault, threaten, or attempt to use force against the driver or any occupant of the vehicle. The individual seen in the circulating video holding an iron rod is neither connected to the driver nor to the Corps, but rather a passerby whose actions have been misconstrued to distort the true narrative”, Ohaeri said.
The FRSC said in line with global best practices in enforcement and conflict management, it’s personnel on ground demonstrated a high level of professionalism, restraint, and emotional intelligence.
“The decision to de-escalate the situation, by disengaging and restoring calm, was taken in the interest of public safety, especially given the volatile crowd dynamics at the scene”, the statement said.
The Corps emphasised that the action by it’s operatives should not be misinterpreted as weakness or compromise of enforcement standards, but rather as a strategic and responsible approach to prevent escalation, protect lives, and maintain public order.
The agency averred that it remains committed to its core mandate of ensuring safer roads while upholding the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, and respect for human rights.
It urged the public to disregard misleading content and continue to cooperate with law enforcement officers in the discharge of their lawful duties.
The FRSC’s position differs markedly from the position of the report of the driver in question who accused it’s operatives of assaulting him and allowing a motorist who hit his vehicle from behind to escape paying for the damage to his car.
According to him, after the driver rammed into his vehicle from behind and he insisted on the repair of his car, the FRSC personnel on ground insisted on the offender going to their office a situation that left his damaged vehicle unrepaired.
