By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has ordered the immediate recall of a patrol team allegedly involved in a viral bribery scandal reported by a premium media platform.

The development, which has generated widespread public interest, prompted the Corps’ leadership to swiftly take action as part of its unwavering commitment to transparency, discipline, and ethical standards.

According to a press statement issued by the Corps Public Education Officer, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide, and made available to Vanguard, the Corps Marshal has directed a comprehensive investigation into the matter. He maintained that any officer found culpable in the bribery allegation would face dire consequences, ranging from dismissal to prosecution, in line with the Corps’ disciplinary procedures.

The statement also addressed a segment of the report that referenced the 2021 arrest of FRSC officials by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), asserting that the Corps has consistently taken proactive steps to tackle corruption within its ranks.

“While bribery and corruption remain national challenges, the FRSC has not relented in demonstrating zero tolerance through an entrenched anti-corruption policy, robust internal surveillance mechanisms, and strategic institutional collaborations,” the statement read in part.

It recalled that in 2021, the Corps, in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) and the ICPC, carried out a Joint Surveillance Special Operation which led to the arrest of over 70 personnel during two separate tactical operations. Ogungbemide noted that prima facie cases were established against several of the arrested officers, underscoring the effectiveness of FRSC’s internal control systems.

“These arrests served both as a deterrent and a confirmation that our internal checks are active and uncompromising,” the statement further asserted.

In a bid to deepen public engagement and operational transparency, the FRSC pioneered a partnership with the Akin Fadeyi Foundation and the MacArthur Foundation to launch the Flag-It App— a digital platform that enables road users to report instances of extortion, bribery, or any form of misconduct by FRSC officials.

Ogungbemide disclosed that the Corps has received and responded to several credible reports through the platform, leading to disciplinary actions where necessary.

Additionally, under the leadership of Corps Marshal Mohammed, the FRSC recently introduced its proprietary Mobile App to intensify its anti-corruption drive. The app is designed to promote accountability, reward exemplary officers, and empower citizens to report erring officials in real-time.

“The synergy between the Flag-It App and the FRSC Mobile App has helped curtail unethical behaviour among personnel and sent a strong message that misconduct will no longer be swept under the carpet,” the Corps’ spokesperson stated.

He, however, called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue playing the role of active stakeholders in ensuring a corrupt-free FRSC by utilising the digital tools provided for whistleblowing.

“This is a clarion call for collective responsibility. We salute the efforts of conscientious Nigerians who continue to demand transparency. Together, we can uphold the values of professionalism and accountability,” the statement concluded.