(SINL NIGERIA) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has secured a major legal victory following the dismissal of a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed against the Corps and its personnel by the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt.
In the landmark judgement delivered in Suit No: FHC/PH/FHR/447/2022, instituted by Barrister Osita Nnadozie against the Sector Commander, Rivers State Sector Command, and eight others, the Court held that the Applicant failed to provide credible evidence to substantiate claims of violation of his fundamental rights.
Consequently, the suit was dismissed in its entirety for lacking merit, a statement signed by the Corps Public Education Officer, Deputy Corps Commander Osondu Ohaeri said.
The case stemmed from an enforcement operation conducted on October 2, 2022, along the Port Harcourt–Owerri Road in Elele, where the Applicant was intercepted by patrol operatives of RS6.13 Isiokpo Unit Command for alleged seatbelt violation and failure to stop for lawful checks.
Court proceedings revealed that during the operation, the Applicant allegedly accelerated dangerously toward an FRSC Marshal, forcing the officer to jump into a nearby bush to avoid being hit before the Applicant was eventually apprehended and booked for traffic offences.
The Court also examined events surrounding the Applicant’s entry into the premises of the Isiokpo Unit Command after official working hours on October 5, 2022.
According to evidence presented, he was found taking photographs within the premises and was subsequently handed over to the Police for profiling and identification as a precautionary security measure.
In defending the action, counsel to the Respondents, through the State Legal Officer, filed a Joint Counter-Affidavit which successfully established that the conduct of FRSC personnel was lawful, professional, and guided by safety and security considerations.
The Applicant had sought damages amounting to ₦950,006,161.25 against FRSC and the other Respondents. However, after reviewing all submissions and processes before it, the Court upheld the position of the Corps and dismissed all claims.
Reacting to the judgement, the Corps said the ruling reinforces public confidence in the professionalism, operational discipline, and lawful enforcement procedures of the FRSC.
The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, reiterated the commitment of the FRSC to fairness, professionalism, respect for human rights, and the safety of all road users.
He also warned against attempts to obstruct lawful enforcement operations or malign officers carrying out legitimate duties.
