Court affirms FRSC’s authority to penalise motorists with tampered number plate

Thursday, August 7, 2025 - The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has applauded a recent Federal High Court judgement that affirmed its legal authority to penalise motorists for violating traffic regulations, particularly those relating to the proper use of vehicle number plates.

In a statement released on Thursday, August 7, in Abuja by the Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, the FRSC described the ruling as a significant judicial endorsement of its statutory powers and responsibilities.

The judgement, delivered by Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court in Lagos on June 23, 2025, was in response to suit number FHC/L/CS/2367/2024 filed by Ojo Victor Olomi against the Federal Road Safety Commission.

The case arose after Olomi was penalised by FRSC officials for unlawfully hand-painting his vehicle’s number plate, which rendered it non-reflective and in breach of the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2016. The applicant also challenged the confiscation of his driver’s licence by the corps, claiming it infringed on his fundamental human rights.

Justice Kakaki dismissed the claims, ruling that Olomi’s actions were clearly in violation of the law, and held that the seizure of his licence was lawful. The court further clarified that the use of hand-painted, non-reflective number plates constitutes a punishable traffic offence.

The ruling also distinguished the case from an earlier judgement in Chinwike Ezebube v. FRSC, underscoring that the circumstances were not the same and that the FRSC acted within its legal mandate.

Ogungbemide described the decision as a “landmark ruling” that validates the FRSC’s efforts to ensure compliance with road safety standards, particularly in the area of vehicle identification and enforcement.

Corps Marshal Malam Shehu Mohammed, in his reaction, urged motorists to avoid practices that undermine road safety, including altering or tampering with number plates. He also warned the public against misinterpreting previous court rulings and emphasised that the new judgement has provided much needed legal clarity.

“The FRSC remains committed to its mission of creating a safer motoring environment and will continue to carry out its lawful duties with professionalism, integrity, and respect for the rights of all Nigerians,” Mohammed said.