The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has in a joint operation, arrested 15 officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) for allegedly extorting money from motorists on highways across the country.
According to a statement by the ICPC Spokesperson, Azuka Ogugua, the officials were arrested on the 12th of August 2021, simultaneously in Adamawa, Gombe, Ondo, and the Osun States, respectively, with the extorted money on them, during the enforcement of the sixth phase of ‘Operation Tranquility’ by officers of ICPC, FRSC and the Department of State Services (DSS).
She said the operation, whose aim is to bring an end to extortion of motorists and other unwholesome practices by some FRSC officials, resulted in the arrest of seven officials along the Jimeta Township Routes and Yola Expressway in Adamawa State.
“Some money was recovered from them as they were raided while extorting motorists. Also, the members of Operation Tranquility arrested four FRSC officials in Gombe State, along Gombe Township routes. While four others were arrested within Ikare Township routes in Ondo State.
“The team noted that the officials would sometimes enter vehicles belonging to motorists to negotiate and collect the bribes to avoid being seen by passers-by as well as employ the services of local government revenue collectors as agents to cover their illicit acts.
“It was also found in the course of the operation that two patrol teams in Adamawa and Gombe States respectively, were not involved in any corrupt act as they were caught under surveillance checking documentation and ensuring roadworthiness of vehicles.
“All those arrested have been granted administrative bail by the Commission, however further investigation activities are still ongoing to ensure that those culpable are appropriately punished.”
The statement read.
