FRSC Halts Salary Of Operative Accused Of Extorting N100,000 From Motorist.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has taken decisive action by suspending the salary of an operative accused of extorting N100,000 from a road user in Cross River State, Nigeria. The announcement, made by Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed in an exclusive interview with a national newspaper, underscores the agency’s commitment to tackling corruption within its ranks.
The incident came to light following a Facebook post by Nigerian journalist Agba Jalingo, who alleged that FRSC officials in Calabar extorted the substantial sum from a driver for not wearing a seatbelt. The accused operative, now declared absent without leave (AWOL), is under investigation, with the FRSC notifying the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation to halt the individual’s salary through the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS).
Mr Mohammed explained that while the FRSC lacks direct access to the operative’s bank account to recover the extorted funds, measures are in place to ensure accountability. “We have stopped his salary, and we will not release his entitlements until the N100,000 is deducted and returned to the victim,” he stated. The FRSC’s Post Service Scheme, a mandatory contribution for all staff, will also be used to recover the funds if the operative attempts to access it post-dismissal.
The Corps Marshal further noted that the operative’s absence has triggered a formal process, with dismissal proceedings set to begin if the individual remains AWOL for 21 days, classifying them as a deserter. The FRSC is collaborating with relevant authorities to access the operative’s bank account through legal means, ensuring a thorough investigation to avoid potential litigation.
This case follows a pattern of allegations against FRSC officials, with a 2021 joint operation involving the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) leading to the arrest of over 70 personnel for similar extortion offences. The FRSC has since introduced measures such as a mobile application for reporting misconduct, reinforcing its zero-tolerance stance on corruption.
Public reaction has been mixed, with some commending the FRSC’s swift response, while others question the delay in addressing the operative’s actions. The agency has urged the public to utilise its reporting tools, including the recently launched mobile app, to flag instances of bribery or misconduct by its personnel.
The FRSC’s proactive steps signal a broader effort to restore public trust and uphold integrity on Nigeria’s highways. As investigations continue, the agency remains focused on ensuring justice for affected road users and maintaining its mandate to promote road safety across the country.
