The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has apprehended a driver, Umar Muhammadu, for allegedly mixed loading a Mitsubishi Canter with about 15 persons and eight motorcycles concealed under its trampoline.

This is contained in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, by the Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO), Osondu Ohaeri.

Mr Ohaeri said FRSC officials intercepted the vehicle, marked GDD 815 ZP, after professional suspicion prompted a closer inspection of its sealed trampoline.

He said that marshals discovered 15 persons and eight motorcycles dangerously concealed among goods, beneath the covering in clear violation of road safety regulations and with grave implications for the safety of the occupants and other road users.

“The driver, who allegedly attempted to sway an FRSC Marshal with N500 and could not produce a valid driver’s licence, was arrested.

“The vehicle and its occupants were handed over to the Divisional Police Officer, Mararaba, for further investigation and prosecution, following the directive of the Sector Commander, RS7.1 FCT, CC Tijjani Iliyasu,”he said.

Mr Ohaeri also said that similarly, in Abia State, a Mobile Court presided over by Magistrate C. E. Nwankpa, sentenced Azubuike Dominic to one month imprisonment at the Afara Correctional Centre after he was apprehended for driving without a valid driving license.

He said that Dominic was driving a Toyota Hiace commercial vehicle, registration number GWB 298 XY, without a valid licence and absconded while being escorted to court.

“The driver was re-apprehended several kilometres away following a coordinated pursuit involving FRSC personnel and the military. The development underscores the corps’ determination that enforcement actions will not be frustrated by attempts to evade lawful arrest or judicial proceedings,” Mr Ohaeri stated.

According to him, the corps views the incidents as compelling evidence that its enforcement architecture is moving beyond routine interception to intelligence-led, evidence-based and technology conscious road safety enforcement.

He said that in the enforcement, professional observation and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures were deployed to uncover concealed violations and protect lives.

He also said that the the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, consistently charged personnel to remain vigilant, professional and uncompromising in the discharge of their statutory responsibilities, while strengthening inter-agency synergy.

Mr Ohaeri warned motorist, particularly commercial vehicle operators, against attempting to evade enforcement, concealing passengers or motorcycles, overloading vehicles or driving without valid licences.

According to him, any of the offences will attract appropriate sanctions.

“The corps will continue to combine intelligence, professional enforcement, mobile courts and strategic inter-agency collaboration to protect road users and make Nigeria’s roads safer,” he said.

He emphasised that there would be no hiding place for reckless and dangerous driving on the road to a safer Nigeria.

(NAN)