A mobile court in Calabar, Cross River State, on Wednesday convicted 34 traffic offenders for attempting to bribe operatives of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
The trial, presided over by Magistrate Abigail Asuquo, was held after the offenders were charged to court by FRSC prosecutor, Mr Presley Orhue.
In her ruling, Magistrate Asuquo stated that all 34 individuals pleaded guilty to the bribery charge. She offered them the choice of paying a fine of ₦10,000 each or serving one week in prison. “This is the stipulated fine for attempting to corrupt marshals on duty,” she declared.
Additional penalties were imposed for other traffic infractions. Motorists caught overloading or driving without valid licenses were also fined ₦10,000 each. Seat belt violators were fined ₦2,000, while those without speed limiting devices were charged ₦3,000.
Following the proceedings, the FRSC Sector Commander in Cross River, Innocent Etuk, condemned efforts to bribe officers, warning that the corps has zero tolerance for corruption. “We are fully committed to jailing any motorist who attempts to compromise our operatives,” he said.
Etuk urged road users to comply with traffic laws to support the agency’s 2025 strategic objective of reducing road traffic fatalities and injuries by 10%. He also warned drivers to avoid actions such as overloading, phone use while driving, and non-use of seat belts.
The court sitting followed the approval by the Chief Judge of Cross River State for a mobile court dedicated to the speedy prosecution of traffic offences. This initiative was in line with Section 10(8) of the FRSC Establishment Act of 2007.
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