Group Petitions FRSC Over Extortion Of Citizens By Personnel
By Simeon OSAJIE
A non-governmental and non-profit making organization known as “Bail Is Free Campaign Group” has petitioned Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Edo State Sector Command over exhortation by one of its personnel at Edo State Board of Internal Revenue Headquarters, along New Lagos Road Benin City, Edo State.
In the petition signed by its Coordinator, Comrade Oni Edigin and made available to newsmen alleged that on the 13th of September, 2024, one Mr. Idogun Stephen went to Board of Internal Revenue State Headquarters Office, along New Lagos Road, Benin City, Edo State capital where he is currently processing his driving license and that said day happened to be the day of Mr. Idogun capturing.
The petitioner also alleged that a Federal Road Safety Corp personnel in charge (name unknown but can be recognized when seen) of the capturing unit was collecting the sum of N1,500 (One Thousand Five Hundred Naira) each from Nigeria citizens as capturing fee.
According to him, “Mr. Idogun Stephen requested to make a transfer when it gets to his turn but his request was refused by the FRSC personnel, insisting that the payment should be made in cash. The sum of N1,500 (One Thousand Five Naira) was later paid to the FRSC personnel by Mr. Idogun Stephen for capturing processing fee.
“The information was brought to our notice and upon our preliminary investigation during the visit to the Unit Head (Name unknown but can be recognized when seen) at the Board of Internal Revenue Headquarter on Wednesday 16th of October, 2024, the Unit Head admitted that they collected N350 (Three Hundred and Filly Naira) for lamination but refused to respond to the balance of N1,150 that was fraudulently alleged against her office.”
The question being ask by the Group is “The N350 (Three Hundred and Filly Naira) acclaimed by the Unit Head of FRSC they collected for laminating; is it officially approved by the FRSC?
“Why was the information not posted on the general notice board to avoid fraudulent extortion?
“The N1,500 (One Thousand, Five Hundred Naira) being collected the FRSC personnel for capturing should be investigated for proper sanctioning.
“Our aims are to assist the Federal Government of Nigeria to stopping corruption in her institution. Our mission is to build fairness and egalitarian society.”
In a swift reactions through telephone call put across to the FRSC Public Relation Officer against the allegation levelled against FRSC personnel, she said “We have settle the matter and the matter has been put to rest.”
When The9JaTREND reporter put a call back to the Coordinator of Bail Is Free Campaign Group to find out if really the matter has been settled, he said, “Not at all. I have comprehensive evidence to prove that the matter has not be settle. I’m not surprise that the FRSC PRO responded in such manner. She is trying to protect some corrupt personnel in the commission. Have they returned the N1,500 they have collected from citizens all in the name of capturing? She lied to you and we cannot, and we will not relent in ensuring that those corrupt FRSC personnel are brought to book.”
