By Erewunmi Peace

In a landmark judgment, the Court of Appeal in Owerri, Imo State, has ruled that the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) lacks the legal authority to seize drivers’ licenses or impound vehicles without a valid court order or legal process.

The judgment was delivered on Monday, July 28, 2025, in Appeal No. CA/OW/199/2022, affirming the decision of the Federal High Court in Umuahia. The case involved the FRSC and Dr. Emmanuel Ugochukwu Shebbs, whose vehicle documents were allegedly seized unlawfully by FRSC officers during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020.

What the Court Said:

The appellate panel, led by Justices Amina Audi Wambai, M. Lawal Abubakar, and Ntong F. Ntong, unanimously held that FRSC officers violated Shebbs’s fundamental human rights by detaining him and confiscating his license without legal justification.

According to the judgment, “the FRSC is not empowered under any law to impose fines, seize vehicles, or confiscate drivers’ licenses arbitrarily.” The court emphasized that only a competent court of law can impose penalties after due legal process.

Damages Awarded:

The initial ₦30 million awarded to Dr. Shebbs by the lower court was reduced to ₦10 million, but the Appeal Court upheld the finding of unlawful treatment and rights abuse by the FRSC.

Dr. Shebbs was reportedly stopped at a checkpoint in Umuahia during the lockdown. After refusing to pay a bribe, his license was seized and he was forced to pay a ₦3,000 fine. No official charge or documented violation was presented.

He subsequently filed a human rights suit against the FRSC, which led to this pivotal decision years later.

• Public Reactions:

Legal analysts and civil rights advocates have hailed the decision as a major victory for Nigerian motorists. It underscores the need for law enforcement agencies to operate strictly within their constitutional boundaries.

The ruling sets a strong legal precedent and is expected to influence future conduct of FRSC officials across Nigeria.