In a landmark judgement delivered on 23rd June, 2025, by Honourable Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court, Lagos, in Suit Number FHC/L/CS/2367/2024 between Ojo Victor Olomi v. Federal Road Safety Commission, the Court, in a well considered judgement, dismissed the applicant’s claim challenging the legality of the fine imposed and the confiscation of his driver’s licence by officials of the Corps.
The case arose from the Applicant’s unlawful modification of his vehicle’s number plate through hand painting, thereby rendering it non-reflective in flagrant disregard due process and in clear contravention of the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2016, which provides that all vehicle number plates must remain reflective for visibility, security and enforcement purposes. The Honourable Court affirmed that the action of the Applicant is a violation recognised by law and the confiscation of his driver’s licence does not constitute an infringement on the applicant’s fundamental human rights as alleged by him.
This verdict serves as a significant nod from the judiciary validating the powers and responsibilities of the FRSC in enforcing traffic regulations, particularly as they relate to vehicle identification and road safety compliance.
Importantly, the Court drew a clear distinction from an earlier ruling in the case of Chinwike Chamberlain Ezebube v. FRSC and firmly upheld that hand-painting of number plates constitutes a traffic violation punishable under the law.
The Federal Road Safety Corps views this judgement as a pivotal victory in its quest to promote order, discipline, security and safety on Nigerian roads. It also reaffirms our statutory mandate to enforce traffic laws without fear or favour, in line with the provisions of the FRSC Establishment Act and other relevant traffic laws.
Accordingly, the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed calls on all motorists to desist from acts that compromise road safety and contravene laid-down regulations, such as tampering with or altering number plates in any form. We also use this opportunity to urge members of the public to disregard misleading interpretations of previous judgements and take due notice of the legal clarity now provided.
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.
Signed:
Olusegun Ogungbemide mni FISPON anipr
Assistant Corps Marshal
Corps Public Education Officer
Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)
Headquarters, Abuja
cp**@******ov.ng
in**@******ov.ng
6th August, 2025
