A trending video of a Nigerian woman physically assaulting an officer of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Lekki, Lagos state has surfaced online.
While it is not clear what provoked the rage of the woman, the video commenced with the woman using two palms to slap the neck of the official.
Following the development, the Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Malam Shehu Mohammed, has directed an in-depth investigation and immediate prosecution of the motorist.
The Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO), Mr. Olusegun Ogungbemide, announced the directive in a statement on Monday in Abuja.
Mohammed expressed concern over the increasing cases of assaults on FRSC officials performing their lawful duties. He stated that such acts are “totally uncalled for.”
The incident, which happened in November along the Oko-Ado section of the Lekki-Epe Expressway in Lagos, involved a Toyota Corolla with registration number EPE 690 HH.
According to Ogungbemide, the patrol team flagged down the vehicle at about 3:54 p.m. for a seatbelt violation.
Upon inspection, it was discovered that the vehicle’s registration papers had expired in December 2022, which led to its impoundment.
While the driver complied with the enforcement process, a female passenger in the vehicle reportedly became confrontational.
The statement described her actions as verbally and physically abusive, and escalated to the point of creating a scene in an attempt to gain sympathy from bystanders.
“When her verbal threats and disruptive behaviour failed, she resorted to physical assault, as documented in a viral video,” the statement said.
The corps spokesperson stated that the passenger continued her aggressive conduct even after the vehicle was impounded at the Lekki Command.
Efforts to de-escalate the situation proved unsuccessful, which prompted the involvement of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ajah Police Station.
Subsequently, the police arrested both the passenger and the driver for further investigation.
“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,” Ogungbemide said.
Commending the Lekki Unit Command team for their professionalism and civility in handling the incident, Mohammed said, “Their response represents the ideals of the Corps, even in the face of provocation.”
The Corps Marshal called on the public to address grievances through proper administrative channels or legal actions rather than resorting to violence. He warned that any form of assault against FRSC personnel would no longer be tolerated.
“This case will be pursued to ensure justice is served, to serve as a deterrent to other violent road users,” Mohammed added.
The FRSC reiterated its commitment to enforcing road safety laws while upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
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