FRSC speaks on alleged court judgment over bribery allegation

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has clarified that it was dragged to Abia State High Court, and later the Court of Appeal by one Mr Shebb Ugochukwu over alleged violation of fundamental human rights and not a criminal trial for bribery.

FRSC said this while debunking allegation that its personnel demanded a bribe from Ugochukwu in a statement by the Corps Publication Education Officer (CPEO), Olusegun Ogungbemide on Wednesday in Abuja.

Ogungbemide described the publication as misleading, mischievous, and a calculated attempt to tarnish the image of the Corps.

He clarified that the allegation was linked to a 2022 traffic incident involving Mr Ugochukwu, who was lawfully stopped and booked for verifiable traffic violations.

This, he said included the use of worn-out tyres and the absence of 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 FRSC spokesman further explained that the issue brought before the Abia State High Court, and later the Court of Appeal, was strictly a matter of fundamental human rights enforcement and not a criminal trial for bribery.

He emphasised that at no point in the proceedings, either at the lower court or on appeal was bribery canvassed, mentioned, or proven against any of its 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 explained that the initial judgment by the Abia State High Court awarded N30 million against the FRSC.

He, however, said that upon appeal, the Court of appeal reduced the award to N10 million and criticised the plaintiff’s demands, describing them as “a desire for gold digging.”

Quoting the appellate court’s ruling, Ogungbemide said that the judgment warned against exploiting the legal system for unjust enrichment, citing a Supreme Court precedent.

“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 also noted that the FRSC legal team was reviewing the procedural grounds on which the judgment was delivered and may consider further legal action where 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 commitment of the FRSC to transparency, accountability, and service excellence.

He said that no amount of mudslinging or manipulation would deter it from discharging its statutory responsibility of ensuring safety on Nigerian roads.

He appealed for continued public understanding and support, to enable its officers carry out their duties with the confidence and dedication needed to reduce road crashes and save lives.

(NAN)