FRSC demotes officials who fought tricycle rider

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has demoted its officials who retaliated an attack by a tricycle rider in Benin, Edo state.

In a statement on Sunday, Bisi Kazeem, FRSC spokesman, said the panel which probed the incident recommended them for demotion.

In a video, which went viral  in July, a tricycle rider was seen challenging the FRSC officials in a violent manner.

The unclad rider, who was reportedly arrested for driving against traffic, also destroyed the agency’s patrol vehicle.

Kazeem said charges bordering on breach of trust and malicious damage were filed against the rider at a magistrate’s court in the state.

“The Federal Road Safety Corps has commenced legal action against the erring tricycle rider who was seen destroying FRSC patrol vehicle in a viral video recorded along Sapele road Benin, Edo state,” Kazeem said.

“While the disciplinary panel constituted at the instance of the Corps Marshal that conducted the investigation into the incident recommended that the 7-man patrol team involved in the incident be sanctioned with the award of loss of seniority and reduction in rank.

“The case against the erring driver was filed in charge number; MEV/177C/2020, on 22 July, 2020 before His Worship, Magistrate (Mrs) E. Ojehumen at the Evbuoriaria Magistrate Court 8, Sapele road, Benin.

“During the proceedings, the defendant pleaded not guilty to a 2 count charge bordering on breach of public peace and malicious damage of FRSC Patrol Vehicle.

“The counsel to the defendant eventually applied for bail which was granted by the Court, and the case was adjourned to 5 August, 2020 for further hearing.

“The Corps Marshal has further directed the redeployment of the affected FRSC staff from their present Command in addition to the reduction in rank that was awarded by the Disciplinary Panel against the affected personnel having been investigated and found liable of patrol misconduct, in civility, unprofessional and unethical behaviour towards a road traffic offender; acts that contradict the patrol operational ethics of the Corps.”

Kazeem, however, said it will not relent in prosecuting any member of the public who molests its officers or damage its properties.