The Federal Road Safety Corps in Cross River State has arrested 280 drivers between June and October 2025 for allegedly offering bribes to its personnel at different checkpoints across the state.
The Sector Commander, Innocent Tommy Etuk, revealed this during a live radio programme on HIT FM, Calabar, where he discussed safety measures for motorists during the Ember Months.
Etuk urged drivers to avoid bribing officers, warning that both those who offer and those who accept bribes would face punishment.
“Since my assumption of duty in June 2025, we have arrested 280 drivers who attempted to compromise our men. This is to send a strong message that corruption will not be tolerated,” he said.
He encouraged motorists to record any evidence of extortion attempts and assured that all reports would be properly investigated.
“We have internal mechanisms to deal with our personnel found culpable. We maintain zero tolerance for road corruption, extortion, or assault involving our men,” he added.
During the live programme, several callers complained about alleged extortion and harassment by FRSC officials, especially within Calabar and nearby routes.
They mentioned specific locations and urged the commander to secretly monitor his officers’ conduct to curb their excesses.
Some callers recounted incidents where officers impounded vehicles or assaulted motorists who refused to pay bribes, even when their documents were valid.
A caller, identified as Joshua Imo, said he was beaten by FRSC personnel along Atimbo Road while heading to Akpabuyo after refusing to pay more than ₦500.
Responding to the complaints, Etuk appealed for mutual respect and understanding between drivers and FRSC officers, adding that both sides should work together to promote safer roads.
