Anger after video shows FRSC officers beating driver in Nasarawa

A video has surfaced showing officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) hitting and kicking a man during an encounter on the roadside in Lafia, Nasarawa State. This has caused widespread anger online.

The incident happened around 8 a.m. on Tuesday along Makurdi Road in Lafia. The man in the video was identified by his family as Hassan Babalawal.

In the footage, at least four men in FRSC uniforms are seen confronting Mr Babalawal, who is on the ground. Some of the officials appear to punch and kick him.

A person filming the scene can be heard questioning what the officials are doing and stating that the man had not fought back.

Many Nigerians are criticizing the officials for using such physical force. People are particularly concerned about the power imbalance shown in the footage, where Mr Babalawal is on the ground while the officials continue their actions.

But the video does not show what led to the confrontation or what happened before the recording started.

Mr Babalawal's elder brother spoke to SaharaReporters and said an FRSC patrol team stopped his brother on Makurdi Road before the altercation began. He claimed the officers assaulted Mr Babalawal, and the family did not know of any wrongdoing on his part.

The family stated that the incident caused both physical and emotional harm to Mr Babalawal. They want the FRSC to identify the officers seen in the video and look into their behavior.

They also mentioned they are ready to provide photos, medical reports, eyewitness accounts, and any other evidence that could help with an investigation.

“We are not trying to hinder the lawful duties of the FRSC,” the elder brother said to SaharaReporters. “We just want to make sure no citizen faces unjustified physical assault or harassment.”

The family has called on the FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, and the Nasarawa State Sector Commander to investigate this case and take proper action if the officers acted wrongly.

This incident has raised new concerns about how uniformed personnel behave during roadside checks and the amount of force they can use when drivers or other road users resist enforcement actions.

The FRSC is in charge of road safety, traffic management, and enforcing road-traffic rules. Their staff are expected to perform these duties in a professional manner and within the law.

The Corps has looked into viral videos of alleged misconduct by its officers before. In one case, as reported by PREMIUM TIMES, the FRSC said it investigated a video showing a clash between its officers and a tricycle rider. They mentioned that disciplinary action was taken against the staff involved.

PREMIUM TIMES reached out to the spokesperson of the FRSC in Nasarawa State for their response to this incident. He stated that the Sector Commander would issue a statement on the matter.