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Tag: Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)

  • FRSC urges officers to improve inter agency collaboration

    FRSC urges officers to improve inter agency collaboration

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has urged its personnel to work closely with officers of other security outfits for better inter agency collaboration in fighting crime and criminality.

    Mr. Jonas Agwu, the Assistant Corps Marshall (ACM) and Zonal Commanding Officer (ZCO) of Zone 4 comprising Plateau, Benue and Nasarawa states, gave the charge on Tuesday in Lafia during familiarisation visit of the command in Nasarawa State.

    Agwu, who was recently appointed as ZCO of Zone 4 was in the state to familiarise with officers of the various commands in the state.

    He said cooperation and team work with other security outfits would go a long way to fight criminality in the country, especially along Nigerian highways used by some criminals to move from one city to the other to perpetuate dastardly acts.

    He added that “we want to build very strong inter agency synergy. I believe I can build on what I have met on ground here. We have decided to make it a priority for everyone to know that no one can achieve success alone. We need support cooperation from others to achieve our goals.

    “For instance, sometimes you see crashes occur in the deep night but because we are not armed, you need back up to assist you. These kind of situations and many more is why we are harping on strong inter agency collaboration.”

    The zonal commanding officer also said that the FRSC was seriously considering capacity training for its officers and those of other security outfits to share ideas and better understand each other’s mandates for effective service delivery.

    He said “capacity training will be a strong point where we bring in resource persons from some of these agencies who will help my men understand other security outfits better. We can also engage in joint road blocks and collaborations to achieve our mutual objectives.

    “Whether it is police, the army, civil defence or road safety, we are all working for the good of the state and the country​at large. We must make it a priority.”

    Agwu revealed that the FRSC would continue to use advocacy and public enlightenment to reach out to motorists and the public on issues bordering on road safety and regulations.

    He warned officers against complacency at work and urged them to imbibe family values like openness, unity, oneness, dedication and commitment to achieve the set objectives of the command.

    “We are families because we are in the same sector command and in the same state. Team work will guide us. That is why we need your contribution and support. Try and make this sector command the best in Zone 4. I also urge you to be at peace with the people of the state,” He said.

  • FRSC to deploy 25,000 personnel for Sallah patrol – Official

    FRSC to deploy 25,000 personnel for Sallah patrol – Official

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says it will deploy 25,000 regular and special marshals nationwide on special patrol during the approaching Sallah.

    The Public Education Officer of the corps, Mr Bizi Kazeem, said in Abuja that 864 cars, 106 ambulances, 22 tow trucks and 266 motorcycles would also be deployed for the exercise.

    According to Kazeem, the aim is to ensure effective management of expected upsurge in human and vehicle traffic to minimise road accidents during the period.

    “We want to emphasise traffic control, calm during traffic to ensure that the motoring public reach their destinations without any delay.

    “We have about 200 mobile courts already set up to try erring offenders, and we are emphasising that drivers should not use their phones while driving.

    “We are also emphasising the use of the speed limiting device as it relates to commercial vehicle operators.

    “Our focus is also going to be on overloading, lane indiscipline and obstruction on the road.

    “We are looking at critical routes such as the Abuja-Lokoja highway; Lagos-Ibadan expressway; Benin-Asaba-Ore road; and some other critical areas to ensure that we record zero crash during the Sallah period,’’ he said.

     

    Kazeem said the exercise would hold from June 22 to June 28.

    He said FRSC rescue teams would operate skeletally in the evenings for security reasons, since FRSC officials were not armed.

    He, however, explained that the operation would last up to 10 o’clock in the evening in places such as Lagos.

    “We have intensified public education to make sure that we sensitise the motoring public to the use of the road without getting involved in crashes.

    “I want to also say that if you are a passenger, don’t be a passive one, be active.

    “You can stop a driver before he kills you. And as a driver, you have to know that life has no duplicate. You must safeguard your life.’’

  • How Police, Army, SSS, INEC, others shared in $115m ‘Diezani bribe’ – Witness

    How Police, Army, SSS, INEC, others shared in $115m ‘Diezani bribe’ – Witness

    The Federal High Court in Lagos Thursday heard how several individuals and public officials shared in an alleged bribe of $115m paid by a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Allison-Madueke, to compromise the 2015 general election.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) named the officials Thursday during the trial of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Dele Belgore before Justice Rilwan Aikawa.

    In two documents it tendered before the court, the anti-graft agency said the persons benefited from N450 million and N155, 220,000 out of the $115m (about N36 billion) Diezani cash.

    The disbursements, which the EFCC claimed were bribes, were contained in a document titled, “Security and Transportation per State”, and another one titled, “Kwara State”.

    According to the first document, the Resident Assistant Inspector-General of Police (IGP) in Kwara State at the time got N1 million cash, the Commissioner of Police (COP) in Kwara State at the time received N10m cash, while the Deputy COP in charge of Operations got N2 million cash.

    Also, the Assistant Commissioners of Police in charge of operations and administration in Kwara State, received N1 million cash each.

    The document also showed that the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Kwara State for the 2015 general elections got N10 million cash, while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Administrative Secretary in Kwara State at the time received N5 million cash.

    According to the document, INEC’s Head of Department, Operations and “his boys” were given N5m, while “other officers” received and shared N2m among themselves.

    Also listed as beneficiaries of the alleged bribe in Kwara State were the “OC Mopol” and “his men”, who got N7 million, “2iC Mopol” and men in the state, who got N10m; the Director of the State Security Service (SSS) and his men, who got N2.5m.

    The military in Kwara State was bribed with N50m, according to the document, while other security agencies including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) got N20m..

    An EFCC investigator Usman Zakari, who brought the document, told the court that it was recovered from Belgore.

    Belgore is accused of collecting N450m from Diezani and distributing same to beneficiaries in Kwara State.

    The EFCC said he handled the cash without going through any financial institution, contrary to sections 1(a), 16(d), 15(2)(d) and18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012.

    According to the commission, the offence is punishable under sections 15(3)(4), and 16(2)(b) of the same Act.

    Standing trial along with Belgore for the offence is a former Minister of National Planning, Prof. Abubakar Suleiman.

    The SAN and the don were arraigned on charges of money laundering on February 8, 2017 but they pleaded not guilty.

    Zakari is the second witness to be called by the EFCC in its efforts to prove its case.

    Testifying before Justice Aikawa on Thursday, the witness explained that Belgore volunteered the list to the EFCC when he was invited and interrogated by the anti-graft agency.

    The investigator pointed out Belgore’s endorsement on the document, stating: “document supplied by me, Mohammed Dele Belgore (SAN).”

    The second document the EFCC said it recovered from Belgore, also showed showed beneficiaries of a sum of N155, 220,000 and the breakdown of what they got.

    Among them were 15 electoral officers who each received, 250,000; 15 supervisors, who got N100, 000 each; state Returning Officers who got N1m, among others.

    The two documents were tendered by the EFCC prosecutor, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, and admitted in evidence as Exhibit 7 and 7A, against Belgore and Suleiman, as their lawyers, Mr. Ebun Shofunde (SAN) and Mr. Olatunji Ayanlaja (SAN), raised no objection.

    In his evidence, Zakari told the court that the EFCC’s findings showed that the money was disbursed in cash to the beneficiaries.

    “My Lord, the mode of payment, as contained in Exhibit 7, is cash payment. The payments were not done through any financial institution,” Zakari said.

    Meanwhile, Justice Aikawa entertained Belgore’s application seeking the dismissal of the charges on the grounds that the EFCC failed to attach an affidavit showing that it had concluded investigation in the case before bringing the case to court.

    Moving the application on Thursday, Belgore’s lawyer, Shofunde, argued that the failure of the EFCC to attach an affidavit saying it had concluded investigation before filing the charges was a fundamental breach of the Federal High Court Practice Direction and which had rendered the charges incompetent.

    He urged Justice Aikawa to quash the charges and free his client.

    But in opposition, the EFCC lawyer, Oyedepo, argued that the current law governing criminal cases in the country was the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.

    He argued that the ACJA did not list filling of the said affidavit as one of the conditions that must be fulfilled before a criminal charge could be filed in court, stressing that the provisions of the ACJA were superior to that of the Federal High Court Practice Direction.

    Besides, he referred Justice Aikawa to Section 221 of the ACJA which barred a judge from entertaining any application challenging the competence of charges in a criminal case in the middle of trial and Section 396(2) of the Act, which barred a judge from ruling on any such application until judgment is delivered in the case.

    While urging the judge to dismiss the application, Oyedepo said granting it would “amount to slaughtering justice on the altar of technicality.”

    Justice Aikawa adjourned till July 7 for ruling.

     

  • FRSC mobile court convicts 103 traffic offenders in Osun

    FRSC mobile court convicts 103 traffic offenders in Osun

    Mobile courts of the Osun Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) convicted 103 traffic offenders in May, an official has said.

    The state Sector Commander of the FRSC, Mr Umar Ibrahim, gave the figure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Osogbo.

    Ibrahim said that the offenders were arrested for various traffic offences, including over speeding, lack of valid driver’s licence and lack of speed limiter, among other offences.

    He said that the arraigned and convicted 103 persons were among the 114 traffic offenders arrested in Osogbo and Ilesha in the month under review.

    The sector commander said that 61 traffic offenders were arrested in Osogbo but nine of them were cautioned and discharged, while 52 were arraigned.

    Ibrahim added that 53 traffic offenders were arrested in Ilesa, 51 arraigned and two cautioned and discharged.

    The sector commander said those convicted paid stipulated fines.

    Ibrahim advised motorists to obey traffic rules to avoid arrest.

  • FRSC urges motorists to drive with caution during rainy season

    FRSC urges motorists to drive with caution during rainy season

    Mr Sunday Oghenekaro, the FCT Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has advised motorists to drive cautiously during the rainy season.

    Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday, Oghenekaro said driving cautiously would help drivers avoid calamities that could affect them and other road users.

    According to Mr Sunday, “Any time it rains in the FCT we always experience issues of crashes in some localities particularly on the expressways like the City Gate-Giri axis and the Zuba-Lugbe-AYA.

    “So, we need to be much more careful as drivers and ensure that our wipers are working, so that when it rains we would be able to deploy it effectively.

    “The braking system is what we must also check, it is very important for the rains and for all times.

    “We do know that when it rains and you want to use your brakes, the stopping distance is somewhat lengthened, but with effective braking system, you will be able to take adequate control of that.’’

    The sector commander also harped on the issue of speeding, which he described as a critical factor in road safety and largest contributor to road traffic crashes in the country.

    Oghenekaro stated that with the good roads in the FCT, the temptation for excessive speed could be compelling for motorists.

    However, he reminded drivers that speeding comes with only pains and regrets, hence the need for them to be careful.

    “Speed does not produce any other thing but pains, sorrows and regrets.

    “It’s good for every driver to plan his journey; for every commuter to also plan his journey so that you do not urge drivers to go at speed they cannot control.

    “The drivers too should not yield to the unnecessary quest on the part of the commuter to go at speeds that are not legal and safe to do.

    “Most crashes that occur and result in heavy casualties are usually associated with speed.

    “Drivers must ensure that they are always on top of their job because every time the driver is engaged in his own trade his life is involved.

    “So, that should make him exercise a special care and caution when he is on the road.’’

    NAN reports that the FCT remains on top of the FRSC’s chart as the state with the highest number of road traffic crashes in the country.

  • FRSC tasks commercial drivers on routine medical checkups

    FRSC tasks commercial drivers on routine medical checkups

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has charged commercial drivers to go for routine medical checkups.

    The Corps’ Sector Commander in Plateau, Mrs Pat Emeordi, gave the advise at a free medical outreach organised by the command for commercial drivers in the state.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the medical outreach held at the famous Plateau Riders Park and was tagged: “Beyond the Road’’.

    According to Emeordi, the health of drivers remains crucial in the road safety chain, hence the need for medical outreach programmes.

    “We all know that health is wealth, and only a healthy worker can be productive; only a healthy driver can drive well.

    “Unhealthy drivers are not fit to ply the highways, so there is the dire need for drivers, particularly the commercial ones, to go for regular medical checkups.

    “When we have healthy persons plying the highways, the rate of accidents will be reduced to the barest minimum,’’ she said.

    Emeordi charged drivers and other motorists to desist from speeding, overloading, wrong overtaking and other bad road attitudes, so as make the roads safe for all.

    Highlights of the event were a health talk delivered by the command’s Health Officer.

    There was also free blood sugar and eye tests, as well as a blood pressure check.

  • LASEMA averts major disaster in Magboro

    LASEMA averts major disaster in Magboro

    What could have turned out to a major disaster in Magboro, Ogun State along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway was on Thursday averted by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) with salvaging of a 50,000 litres of truck conveying Premium Motor Spirit otherwise known as petrol from catching fire.

    The incident occurred during early morning rain when a truck with registration number – Lagos MK88US belonging to MRS skidded off the road and fell on its side into the ditch spilling its content into the area.

    Hundreds of residents of the area had thronged the scene struggling to scoop fuel before they were dispersed with the arrival of the emergency responders and security operatives from Lagos State.

    Speaking at the scene of the incident, General Manager of LASEMA, Mr. Adesina Tiamiyu said that the Agency received the distress call at about 9.00am on Thursday through the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

    He said LASEMA swiftly intervened and responded by mobilizing all the required personnel and resources to the scene.

    According to him, although the scene of the incident falls outside the jurisdiction of its operation but Governor Akinwunmi Ambode gave express approval for the Agency’s intervention with the use of its heavy-duty equipment and crane.

    The LASEMA boss said the Agency responded promptly with other emergency responders from the Lagos State Fire Service, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Ogun State Fire Service, Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and the FRSC, while the truck was carefully lifted up by the Agency’s Crane.

    He said the Lagos Fire Service also carried out blanket of the truck with chemicals to avoid fire outbreak.

    The RRS, according to him, helped to chase people scooping fuel around the area to avoid any fire outbreak, while LASEMA sensitized the people on the danger of storage of fuel.

    The General Manager, however, advised motorist especially articulated truck drivers to avoid over speeding and always adhere to traffic rules and regulations to avoid unnecessary loss of lives and properties on the roads.

     

  • FRSC takes road safety campaign to Churches in Jos

    FRSC takes road safety campaign to Churches in Jos

    The Plateau Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has taken its sensitisation of motorists on safety measures to Churches and other worship centres in the state.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the campaign kicked off on Sunday at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), Gigiring, Jos, with the Sector Commander, Mrs. Pat Emeordi, declaring that the initiative was aimed at reducing road traffic crashes.

    “Our visit to this Church today (Sunday) is to commemorate the 4th UN Global Safety Week.

    “The theme for this year’s UN Safety Week is ‘Managing Speed’; we are focusing on that and want to urge all motorists to obey speed limits,” she said.

    She urged Christians to obey traffic rules just as they obey God’s tenets so as to rid Nigeria of crashes on its highways.

    “As Christians, we respect and obey God’s commandments; we should equally obey traffic rules and regulations.

    “God created roads for safety and not for us to die on them. He also created the traffic regulations so that we shall obey them toward safety. So, if we refuse to obey traffic regulations, we are disobeying God,” she said.

    Noting that road accidents do not recognise wealth or status, she challenged Nigerians to support the campaign by cautioning drivers against speeding “even if they are our parents”.

    She warned drivers against wrong overtaking, speeding, overloading and use of phones, saying that anyone caught would face the full wrath of the law.

     

  • NNL: FC Abuja beat FRSC FC 2-1

    FC Abuja extracted some measure of revenge on Wednesday as they took a pound of flesh in beating city Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Football Club 2-1.

    They beat FRSC FC in a week eight match of the 2016/2017 Nigeria National League (NNL), three days after losing 2-4 on penalty kicks to them.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the loss in Sunday’s FCT FA Cup final had followed a 2-2 draw in regulation time.

    This time in the match also played at the Area 3 football pitch, FC Abuja were out quick from the starting blocks.

    Muktar Saliu opened scoring in the 6th minute of the game with a shot from outside the penalty box.

    Gary Anyahmkeh however drew FRSC FC level in the 34th minute of the game.

    Samaila Ishak restored FC Abuja’s lead 10 minutes before the end of the game.

    At the end of the match, Coach David Emmanuel said his FRSC FC team performed gallantly but failed to play to instructions.

    “We have seven points from eight games, and we are below the average level of points we need. But in our next game, we will do better.

    “Unfortunately, the centre referee cancelled our second goal towards the end of the game. I would have preferred a draw than to lose the game.

    “However, we will now go back to the drawing board and work on our mistakes. We will fight harder to win our next game,’’ he said.

    On his part, Yunus El-Shama , the coach of FC Abuja, said he had expected a win because he has a strong team.

    “However, I am happy we won, and that was what I was expecting from my players. But the brain behind this success is God.

    “On Sunday, we lost to FRSC FC on penalty kicks in FA Cup , and I’m happy we have defeated them in the League.

    “My players are disciplined, and they performed in line with instructions and this is the reason we have this success today.

    “We will work hard to win our next match,’’ he said.

     

  • Over 7.6m cars puts undue pressure on Nigerian roads – Corps Marshal

    The Corps Marshal of Federal Road Safety Corps [FRSC], Mr Boboye Oyeyemi, on Monday said the number of cars in the country was putting undue pressure on the nation’s road network, thereby causing accidents.
    Oyeyemi said Nigeria has over 7.6 million cars plying through its 204, 000 kilometer road network.
    “This statistics show that there is high pressure on the road network which makes the prevalence of road accidents high,” he said in a message to an event organised to mark the Global Road Safety Week in Kaduna.
    He said that the FRSC had come up with various strategies including installation of speed limiter device in commercial vehicles to reduce road traffic deaths.
    The Corps Marshal, represented by Ebenezer Ashaniya, Deputy Corps Commander Policy, Research and Statistics, said efforts were on to increase awareness on the dangers of speed among road users in the country.
    Oyeyemi said direct control of speed was necessary and a better approach in saving lives by motorists.
    He assured that the FRSC would continue to discharge its mandate until road users accord due value to human lives.
    Mohammed Garba, an official of Kaduna State Traffic Agency, pledged that the outfit would work with the FRSC to ensure safer roads across the state.
    “As a law enforcement agency in the state we will do our best to compliment your efforts in sanitizing our roads,” he added.