In a landmark judgment that redefines the operational boundaries of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Court of Appeal sitting in Owerri, Imo State, has declared that the agency lacks the legal authority to seize drivers’ licences or impound vehicles without due process.
The court delivered the judgment in favour of Dr. Emmanuel Shebbs, a medical practitioner who took the FRSC to court following a controversial encounter in 2020, during which his vehicle and driving licence were forcefully taken by FRSC operatives.
Upholding an earlier decision by the Abia State High Court, the appellate court ruled that the actions of the FRSC were unlawful, arbitrary, and a violation of the fundamental rights of the applicant. The judgment not only reaffirmed the lower court’s position but also awarded Dr. Shebbs N10 million in damages as compensation for the violation of his rights.
“This is a significant ruling that restores the rights and dignity of Nigerian road users,” Dr. Shebbs said after the verdict. “The road safety agency must operate within the confines of the law and not as a law unto itself.”
Legal experts have hailed the judgment as a bold step toward curbing the excesses of the FRSC, which has long been accused by motorists of acting outside its mandate. According to the Appeal Court, while the FRSC has the power to enforce traffic regulations, it must do so in accordance with established legal procedures and respect for citizens’ rights.
This ruling is expected to have wide-reaching implications for the agency’s mode of operations, especially its notorious practice of roadside vehicle impoundments and licence seizures without obtaining a valid court order or following due legal channels.
As public interest in the case grows, human rights advocates are calling on the FRSC to reform its enforcement strategy and adopt more citizen-friendly procedures that prioritize lawful engagement over forceful tactics.