Court fines FRSC N10m for seizing driver’s license
TEC News | 24th July,2025.
In a landmark ruling that reinforces hope in Nigeria’s judicial system, the Court of Appeal sitting in Owerri, Imo State, has upheld a High Court judgment awarding N10 million in damages against the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) for unlawfully harassing and seizing the driver’s licence with vehicle’s documents of Dr. Emmanuel Ugochukwu Shebbs, during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown.
The case, which dragged on for over five years, stemmed from an incident on Bende Road in Umuahia, Abia State, where Shebbs, a medical doctor was stopped by FRSC officers, while on a government-approved movement day during the lockdown.
After complying with standard vehicle checks and being cleared, the officers allegedly demanded a bribe under the guise of a “tip.”
When Dr. Shebbs declined, citing he had no cash, they allegedly fabricated fresh “offences,” including claims of worn-out tyres and missing spare parts.
The officers then seized his driver’s licence and a N3,000 fine was arbitrarily imposed on him.
Rather than pay the fine or seek personal favours through connections, Dr. Shebbs chose to challenge the abuse legally.
He filed a suit at the High Court, stating he was motivated not just by personal grievance but by the broader need to protect ordinary Nigerians without influence or access to justice.
The Appellate Court, in a unanimous ruling delivered by a three-member panel led by Hon. Justice Amina Audi Wambai, affirmed that the FRSC’s actions were illegal and a violation of Dr. Shebbs’ constitutional rights.
While the High Court had initially awarded N30 million in damages, the Appeal Court upheld a reviewed award of N10 million.
Significantly, the court declared that the FRSC has no legal authority to seize a citizen’s driver’s licence, vehicle, or documents without following due legal process.
It noted that such actions amount to gross abuse and a breach of fundamental human rights.
“This judgment sets a solid precedent,” said Dr. Shebbs. “It’s not about the money. It’s about confronting the normalisation of abuse by government agencies that should protect citizens but instead oppress them.”
Legal experts and civil society organisations have hailed the ruling as a boost for the rule of law and a sign that Nigerians can still rely on the judiciary for justice — even against powerful government institutions.
The case is now being viewed as a beacon of hope and a call to citizens to assert their rights through legal and peaceful means, ultimately fostering trust in governance and strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
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