The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has clarified that a viral video showing a tricycle rider, unclad and agitated, clashing with its personnel along the Benin–Sapele Road in Edo State is not a recent incident.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Corps Public Education Officer, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide said that the video dates back to 16 July 2020, and has long been addressed legally and administratively.
Ogungbemide described the resurfacing of the clip as ‘a calculated act by mischievous handlers whose intent is to attract traffic to their social media pages, misinform the public, and stir unnecessary emotions over a matter that has long been resolved’.
FRSC confirmed that the tricycle rider, Adeshine Adeyemo was arraigned and convicted.
‘It will be recalled that following the attack, Mr. Adeshine Adeyemo was arraigned in Court with case file number MEV/117C/2020 before His Worship, Magistrate F. Ojehumen of the Evbuoriaria Magistrate Court, Benin City. On 11 January 2021, he was found guilty and sentenced to three months’ imprisonment for malicious damage and breach of public peace’, the statement read.
The Corps also noted that its personnel were not exempt from scrutiny. A seven-man patrol team involved in the incident faced disciplinary action for unprofessional conduct.
The FRSC reiterated its dual commitment: zero tolerance for attacks on its operatives or facilities, and strict discipline within its ranks.
Ogungbemide warned that the resurfacing of the video could mislead the public and incite unnecessary panic.
‘The FRSC urges members of the public to disregard the video as it is an old story, already addressed through judicial conviction of the offender and disciplinary sanctions on the staff involved’, he stated.
The Corps reaffirmed its dedication to professional service delivery and enhancing public engagement.
