FRSC Arrests Driver For Hiding 15 Passengers, 8 Motorcycles In Truck

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has arrested a driver, identified as Umar Muhammadu, for allegedly conveying 15 passengers and eight motorcycles concealed under the trampoline of a Mitsubishi Canter truck.

The vehicle, with registration number GDD 815 ZP, was intercepted by FRSC personnel after marshals became suspicious of its sealed covering and conducted a closer inspection.

The Corps Public Education Officer, Osondu Ohaeri, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja, saying the passengers and motorcycles were found dangerously concealed among goods beneath the vehicle’s covering.

According to him, the practice constituted a serious violation of road safety regulations and posed significant risks to the occupants and other road users.

Ohaeri said the driver allegedly attempted to induce an FRSC marshal with N500 and was also unable to produce a valid driver’s licence.

He said the driver, vehicle and occupants were subsequently handed over to the Divisional Police Officer, Mararaba, for further investigation and prosecution, following the directive of the Sector Commander, RS7.1 FCT, CC Tijjani Iliyasu.

In a related enforcement action in Abia State, the FRSC said a Mobile Court sitting in the state sentenced a commercial driver, Azubuike Dominic, to one month in prison for driving without a valid licence.

The court, presided over by Magistrate C. E. Nwankpa, reportedly ordered that Dominic serve the sentence at the Afara Correctional Centre.

The driver, who was operating a Toyota Hiace commercial vehicle with registration number GWB 298 XY, allegedly absconded while being escorted to court after his arrest.

Ohaeri said Dominic was later re-arrested several kilometres away following a coordinated pursuit involving FRSC personnel and the military.

He said the incidents demonstrated the corps’ determination to strengthen enforcement and ensure that offenders do not evade lawful arrest or judicial proceedings.

According to the FRSC spokesman, the corps is increasingly relying on intelligence-led, evidence-based and technology-conscious enforcement, alongside professional observation and strict adherence to its standard operating procedures.

He added that the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, had continued to direct personnel to remain vigilant, professional and uncompromising in carrying out their statutory responsibilities.

Ohaeri warned motorists, particularly commercial vehicle operators, against overloading, concealing passengers or motorcycles in vehicles, driving without valid licences and attempting to evade enforcement.

He stressed that offenders would face appropriate sanctions, adding that the FRSC would continue to work with the police, military, mobile courts and other relevant agencies to improve road safety across the country.

“The corps will continue to combine intelligence, professional enforcement, mobile courts and strategic inter-agency collaboration to protect road users and make Nigeria’s roads safer,” he said.