By Chinenye Jane Anaeme
In a landmark judgment that strengthens the enforcement authority of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has upheld the Corps’ power to sanction motorists who tamper with vehicle number plates in violation of national regulations.
The judgment, delivered on 23rd June 2025 by Honourable Justice Musa Kakaki in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/2367/2024 between Ojo Victor Olomi and the Federal Road Safety Commission, dismissed the applicant’s claims challenging both the fine imposed on him and the seizure of his driver’s licence by FRSC operatives.
The case arose after Mr. Olomi was found to have unlawfully altered his vehicle’s number plate through hand-painting, which rendered it non-reflective. The Court held that such modification is a direct breach of the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2016, which mandates that all number plates remain reflective for purposes of visibility, identification, and enforcement.
Justice Kakaki ruled that the FRSC acted within its legal powers in penalising the applicant and affirmed that the seizure of the driver’s licence did not amount to a violation of the applicant’s fundamental human rights, contrary to his claims.
In a move that further clarifies previous legal ambiguities, the Court distinguished this case from the earlier Chinwike Chamberlain Ezebube v. FRSC matter, reaffirming that hand-painted number plates are indeed a traffic offence punishable under Nigerian law.
Reacting to the judgment, the FRSC described the ruling as a judicial boost to its statutory mandate of promoting road safety and enforcing vehicle compliance regulations.
The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, applauded the verdict, urging motorists to strictly adhere to traffic laws and avoid unlawful practices such as tampering with number plates. He also advised the public to disregard misleading interpretations of past rulings and take note of the legal clarity now provided by this decision.
“This ruling is not just a legal win for the Corps,” he said, “it’s a reaffirmation of our responsibility to enforce safety regulations without fear or favour. We remain committed to ensuring Nigerian roads are safer for all.”
The FRSC assured that its operations will continue to be guided by professionalism, the rule of law, and respect for the rights of all citizens.
