FRSC Officers Punch, Kick Man During Roadside Encounter In Nasarawa

The incident occurred at about 8 a.m. on Tuesday, October 6, along Makurdi Road in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

In the footage, at least four officers in FRSC uniform are seen beating Hassan while he tried to fight back.

Babalawal is seen on the ground as the officers continue to punch and kick him.

A bystander filming the incident is heard shouting, “He did not fight you guys oh, look at what you are doing to him. Just continue what you are doing.”

Babalawal's elder brother told Sahara Reporters that an FRSC patrol team stopped Babalawal on Makurdi Road and beat him, although he had committed no offence.

"My younger brother, Hassan, was stopped by FRSC officers at Makurdi Road, Lafia, Nasarawa State. During the encounter, the officers beat and physically assaulted him despite the fact that to the best of our knowledge, he had committed any criminal offence," he said.

“The incident has caused him physical and emotional distress."

The family said the video is clear evidence of excessive force. They have called on the FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, and the Nasarawa State Sector Commander to identify the officers in the footage immediately and ensure they face prosecution.

“We are prepared to provide any available evidence, including photographs, videos, medical reports, eyewitness accounts, and details identifying the officers or their patrol vehicle, where available,” he said.

“We are not seeking to obstruct the lawful duties of the FRSC. Our concern is simply that no citizen should be subjected to unjustified physical assault or harassment, and that any allegation of misconduct by law enforcement or road safety personnel should be properly investigated.

The attack on Hassan is not an isolated incident. Nigerians have long complained about high-handedness, extortion and assaults by uniformed personnel tasked with protecting them.

Videos of alleged abuse have become familiar on Nigerian social media, showing police officers slapping drivers during stop-and-search operations, soldiers beating civilians over traffic offences and FRSC officers pulling motorists from their vehicles.

The FRSC, which is unarmed by law and mandated to manage traffic and promote road safety, has repeatedly faced accusations of exceeding its authority.

In viral videos, officers have been seen struggling with motorists, smashing windscreens and using punches or kicks during disputes over documents or fines.

Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International and the National Human Rights Commission, have warned that impunity in the security and law-enforcement sectors can embolden personnel to assault citizens without consequence.

Despite the 2020 #EndSARS protests, which were sparked by police brutality, reports of assaults by uniformed personnel continue, with little accountability.

Many victims struggle to obtain justice, saying complaints to the police or FRSC are ignored and that they are left to seek help through the media.