Outrage has trailed a viral video that allegedly shows officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) repeatedly hitting and kicking a man during a roadside encounter in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
The incident reportedly occurred at about 8 a.m. on Tuesday along Makurdi Road in Lafia. The man was identified by his family as Hassan Babalawal.
The footage shows at least four men in FRSC uniforms confronting Babalawal, who is on the ground as some of the officials appear to punch and kick him. A person recording the scene can be heard questioning the officials’ actions and saying the man had not fought them.
The video has drawn criticism from Nigerians, who questioned the use of physical force by officials responsible for road safety and traffic enforcement. Much of the reaction centred on the apparent imbalance between the officials and the man, who was still on the ground as the confrontation continued.
The video, however, does not establish what happened before the recording began or what prompted the confrontation.
Babalawal’s elder brother told SaharaReporters that an FRSC patrol team stopped his brother along Makurdi Road before the confrontation. He alleged that the officers assaulted him even though the family knew of no offence he had committed.
The family said the incident caused Babalawal physical and emotional distress. It called on FRSC authorities to identify the officers captured in the footage and investigate their conduct.
The family also said it was ready to provide photographs, medical reports, eyewitness accounts and other evidence to assist an investigation.
“We are not seeking to obstruct the lawful duties of the FRSC,” the elder brother said. “Our concern is simply that no citizen should be subjected to unjustified physical assault or harassment.”
The family specifically appealed to the FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, and the Nasarawa State Sector Commander to investigate the incident and take appropriate action if the officers are found to have acted unlawfully.
The incident has renewed questions about the conduct of uniformed personnel during roadside enforcement, and the limits of force that may be used when motorists or other road users resist or dispute enforcement actions.
The FRSC is responsible for road safety administration, traffic management and enforcement of relevant road-traffic regulations. Its personnel are expected to carry out those duties professionally and within the law.
The Corps has previously investigated viral videos involving alleged misconduct by its personnel. In one such case, the FRSC said it investigated a viral video of a confrontation between its officers and a tricycle rider, and that disciplinary measures were taken against the staff involved.
When contacted for the Corps’ reaction, the FRSC spokesperson in Nasarawa State said the Sector Commander would issue a statement on the development.
