Appeal Court Slams FRSC with ₦10m Fine for Rights Violation in Landmark Case

In a landmark judgment that reinforces citizens’ rights against abuse by law enforcement, the Court of Appeal sitting in Owerri has ordered the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) to pay ₦10 million in damages to Dr. Emmanuel Shebbs Ugochukwu, a lecturer at Abia State University (ABSU), for the unlawful seizure of his driver’s licence.

The unanimous decision was delivered by a three-man panel led by Justice Amina Audi Wambai, who affirmed that the FRSC’s actions along Bende Road in Umuahia were illegal, abusive, and a clear violation of Dr. Ugochukwu’s fundamental rights.

According to the court, the FRSC had no legal basis to confiscate the lecturer’s licence, especially after all his vehicle documentation and safety items had been verified to be in order. Dr. Ugochukwu recounted how one of the officers solicited a bribe during the encounter, which he declined, citing that he had no cash and needed to visit the ATM.

Following his refusal to pay, the officers allegedly fabricated new violations—including a “worn-out tyre” and “no spare tyre”—and proceeded to seize his driver’s licence, demanding a ₦3,000 fine.

Rather than bow to pressure or pull political strings, Dr. Ugochukwu chose to pursue justice in court. “I remembered the many Nigerians who don’t have ID cards, connections, or cash to defend themselves,” he said.

The High Court initially awarded him ₦30 million in damages. However, while the Appeal Court reduced the compensation to ₦10 million, it strongly upheld the illegality of the FRSC’s conduct.

Civil rights groups have praised the judgment as a crucial precedent in the fight against abuse of power by law enforcement agencies.

Legal analysts say the ruling underscores the constitutional rights of Nigerian citizens to fair treatment and lawful process, even during routine security checks.

The FRSC is yet to issue an official response to the judgment.