FRSC clears air on VIOs arresting traffic offenders

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has clarified that Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs) possess legal authority to apprehend traffic violators, a jurisdiction dependent on the state in which they operate. Bisi Kazeem, a Deputy Corps Marshal at FRSC, conveyed this information in Abuja and encouraged motorists to collaborate fully with VIOs to enhance road safety.

A unit commander within the FRSC in Abuja had previously asserted that VIOs lacked the authority to arrest individuals for road traffic violations, such as operating overloaded vehicles or using mobile phones while driving. In response, Corps Marshal Dauda Biu has directed the immediate withdrawal of the unit commander to the national headquarters for administrative and disciplinary measures.

Kazeem emphasized that the unit commander’s statement should be disregarded as it did not receive approval from the FRSC Corps Marshal and does not represent the official stance of the FRSC. He highlighted the integral role VIOs play in reinforcing traffic law enforcement, aligning with the collective responsibility of road safety.

Motorists were urged to adhere to established traffic regulations, cooperate with deployed security services, and contribute to maintaining peace and order on the highways, irrespective of their organizational affiliation.