FRSC Bribery Scandal: Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed Recalls Entire Patrol Team Amid Corruption Allegations
In a bold and decisive move to tackle corruption within the ranks of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, has ordered the immediate recall of an entire patrol team allegedly involved in a bribery scandal. This directive came in direct response to a media report accusing some FRSC patrol operatives of engaging in corrupt practices while on duty.
The directive was issued shortly after the House of Representatives established an ad hoc committee to investigate critical operational issues within the Corps. These issues include irregularities in driver’s licence issuance, revenue generation, and the usage of funds over the last three years.
FRSC Reacts Swiftly to Allegations of Bribery and Extortion
According to a statement released on Thursday by Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide, who is the Corps Public Education Officer, the FRSC leadership remains fully committed to transparency, accountability, and zero tolerance for any form of corruption or misconduct among its personnel.
The statement emphasized that if the implicated patrol operatives are found guilty after investigations, they will face severe disciplinary actions — including possible dismissal from service and even criminal prosecution.
“If found guilty, the operatives will face severe disciplinary action, including dismissal and prosecution where necessary,” Ogungbemide said.
This stern warning from the FRSC management reflects a growing concern over the alleged misconduct of some officers on Nigeria’s roads. Videos and reports have increasingly emerged on social media and in mainstream outlets, alleging extortion and bribery by FRSC officials, particularly during highway patrols.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed Shows Leadership with Swift Action
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed, who assumed leadership of the FRSC with promises of reform and discipline, is taking these corruption allegations seriously. His swift decision to recall the entire patrol team linked to the bribery report demonstrates his administration's resolve to sanitize the road safety agency.
This isn’t the first time that the FRSC has had to face issues of internal corruption, but Shehu Mohammed’s reaction appears more aggressive and transparent than previous attempts. Under his watch, the agency is placing renewed focus on cleaning up its image and holding all personnel accountable.
Background: House of Reps Launches Probe into FRSC Operations
Just two weeks ago, the Nigerian House of Representatives launched an investigation into the Federal Road Safety Corps. The probe, which is being led by an ad hoc committee, is examining how the FRSC has managed its operations related to driver’s licence issuance, revenue generation, and fund utilization over the past three years.
The timing of the bribery allegations couldn’t be worse for the Corps, as it finds itself under increased scrutiny from both lawmakers and the general public. The recall of the patrol team by Shehu Mohammed may be seen as a preemptive measure to demonstrate the Corps’ willingness to cooperate with the House probe and prove that it can police its own officers.
Zero Tolerance Policy for Corruption Within FRSC
The FRSC’s public education officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, reiterated that the leadership of the Corps has always taken a firm stance against corruption. According to him, the Corps has in place a detailed and well-structured anti-corruption policy, which has been actively implemented over the years.
“Over the years, the leadership of the Corps consistently demonstrated zero tolerance to corruption through a detailed anti-corruption policy and implementation process, dynamic and result-oriented operational activities, and continuous monitoring and evaluation,” he said.
This strong policy framework includes internal trials for corrupt officials, dismissal where necessary, and in severe cases, transfer of the case to the Nigerian Police for prosecution.
“To this end, any operative arrested for any criminal offence, including extortion, shall not only be tried internally, disengaged, but handed over to the Police for prosecution where necessary,” Ogungbemide added.
Internal Reforms and Surveillance Measures Within the FRSC
In response to past incidents of bribery and misconduct, the FRSC has undertaken several internal reforms, particularly in the area of internal surveillance. According to Ogungbemide, the Corps has been reorganizing its surveillance system to strengthen oversight and enforce discipline within its ranks.
“This demonstration of zero tolerance to bribery and corruption led to the continual reorganization of the internal surveillance system to enable it cope with the guidelines of the Corps’ maintenance of discipline,” he said.
Ogungbemide also revealed that this system has already led to the termination of appointments for numerous officers who were found guilty of corrupt practices. Many of these officers are currently facing prosecution in courts across the country.
“This has been highly instrumental to the termination of the appointment of many of the operatives of the Corps found guilty of bribery and corruption, while others face prosecution in the law court,” he concluded.
Public Reactions and Call for Transparency
The public response to the FRSC bribery allegations has been mixed. While many Nigerians welcomed the Corps Marshal’s swift action to recall the patrol team, others are demanding more transparency and accountability from the road safety agency.
Social media has been abuzz with calls for the FRSC to publish the names of the officers involved, make the outcome of the investigation public, and set an example that discourages future misconduct.
Civil society organizations and advocacy groups are also calling on the House of Representatives to expand its investigation to include field-level operations where corruption appears to be most rampant — such as roadblocks, checkpoint operations, and mobile patrols.
What’s Next for FRSC?
As investigations continue, all eyes are now on Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed and the FRSC management to see whether they will follow through with their anti-corruption stance. The outcome of this case may set a precedent for how similar issues are handled within the Corps moving forward.
The House of Representatives committee’s findings, combined with the internal FRSC investigation, could lead to major reforms, stricter oversight, and better operational efficiency. But more importantly, Nigerians are hoping for a road safety system where discipline, professionalism, and accountability are the norm — not the exception.
Final Thoughts
This recent FRSC bribery scandal is not just another corruption story. It is a test of leadership, a test of commitment to service, and a crucial moment for the Federal Road Safety Corps to prove that the agency meant to enforce road laws is not above the law itself.
While the scandal has damaged public trust, the actions taken by Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed — especially the recall of the patrol team and immediate launch of an investigation — show that the FRSC may be taking real steps toward reform.
For now, Nigerians will be watching closely. They want answers. They want justice. And above all, they want to know that when they see a road safety officer in uniform, they’re looking at someone who upholds the law — not someone who takes bribes to break it.
