A man identified as Hassan Babalawal has reportedly been assaulted by officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) during a roadside encounter in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
The incident reportedly occurred around 8 a.m. on Tuesday, October 6, along Makurdi Road in Lafia.
A video of the incident circulating online shows at least four FRSC officers physically confronting Babalawal. He was seen on the ground while some of the officers allegedly punched and kicked him.
A bystander recording the incident could be heard questioning the officers’ actions and saying the man had not fought them.
Babalawal’s elder brother told SaharaReporters that his younger brother was stopped by an FRSC patrol team while travelling along the road.
According to him, the officers allegedly assaulted Babalawal despite the family being unaware of any offence he had committed.
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He said the incident left his brother with physical and emotional distress.
The family has called on the FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, and the Nasarawa State Sector Commander to identify the officers captured in the video and investigate the incident.
The family also said it was ready to provide available evidence, including the video, photographs, medical reports, eyewitness accounts and information that could help identify the officers or their patrol vehicle.
They stressed that their concern was not to prevent FRSC personnel from carrying out their lawful duties, but to ensure that citizens are not subjected to unjustified physical assault.
The incident has also renewed concerns over allegations of excessive force and misconduct involving uniformed personnel during roadside encounters.
The family is seeking an investigation into the alleged assault and appropriate action if the officers are found to have acted unlawfully.
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