The Mobile Court of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) sitting in Nteje, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State has convicted a 36-year old man has been convicted for attempting to corrupt marshals on duty in the area.
The accused, John Okwuosa a truck driver was also convicted for overloading and driver’s license violation.
The Prosecutor and FRSC Sector Legal Officer, Uzoma Enwereuzo, on Thursday told the court that the accused had offered the officers the money in order to evade arrest.
When the three count charges were read to the accused, he pleaded guilty and was given a fine of N22,000 by the Presiding Magistrate, Mike Anyadiegwu.
He said N6,000 each was for attempting to corrupt marshals and overloading charges, while N10,000 was for driver’s license violation.
The defendant, in a chat with newsmen, said he chose to bribe the officers to avoid unnecessary delays.
He said, “I was coming from Bayelsa to Awka when I was accosted by the Road Safety officers at Nteje. Actually, the vehicle was carrying overload. But I never knew I was not supposed to give them money.
“I decided to give them the N1000 I have so they can allow me go, because I know if they take me to the office, I’ll still pay money. Besides, I was hungry having not eaten since morning.”
While pleading for leniency, Okwuosa said it was his first time of being arrested since he started driving, advising his fellow drivers to always obey the law in order to avert being arrested.
“This is my first time of doing this. I’ve been in this business for the past 6years. I’ve learnt my lesson and promised not to do it again,” he added.
Asked why he did not renew his expired driver’s license, the defendant said, “I won’t say it was lack of money, but the crowd was too much the day I went for the renewal.”
