The Court of Appeal in Owerri has ruled that the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) lacks the legal authority to seize drivers’ licences, vehicles, or related documents without lawful justification, declaring such actions a breach of fundamental human rights.
The ruling followed an appeal by the FRSC against a High Court decision in favour of Dr. Emmanuel Ugochukwu Shebbs.
The appellate court upheld the original judgment that the FRSC violated Shebbs’ rights during a 2020 incident in Umuahia but reduced the damages awarded from ₦30 million to ₦10 million.
The panel of Justices Amina Audi Wambai, M. Lawal Abubakar, and Ntong F. Ntong unanimously affirmed that the FRSC’s conduct was unlawful.
“Issues 1 and 2 having been resolved against the Appellant, the decision of the lower court… is affirmed,” the ruling stated.
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The case began during the COVID-19 lockdown when Shebbs’ vehicle was stopped by FRSC officers who, after confirming his documents were in order, allegedly demanded a bribe.
Upon his refusal, they confiscated his driver’s licence and accused him of fabricated traffic offences.
Legal experts say the judgment sets a precedent, reinforcing that enforcement agencies must operate within the bounds of the law.