Court Upholds FRSC Conduct, Dismisses ₦950m Suit
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has recorded a major legal victory as the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt dismissed a ₦950 million fundamental rights enforcement suit filed against its Rivers State Sector Command and eight others.
In Suit No: FHC/PH/FHR/447/2022, Barrister Osita Nnadozie alleged violations of his fundamental rights following an enforcement operation on October 2, 2022, along the Port Harcourt–Owerri Road, Elele.
However, in a landmark judgment, the Court held that the applicant failed to establish credible evidence of rights violations and dismissed the case in its entirety for lack of merit.
Evidence before the Court revealed that Nnadozie dangerously accelerated toward an FRSC Marshal during the operation, forcing the officer to jump into the bush to avoid being hit, before he was later apprehended and booked for traffic offences.
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The Court also considered his unlawful entry into the Isiokpo Unit Command premises after official hours on October 5, 2022, where he was found taking photographs and subsequently handed over to the Police for profiling.
The Respondents, through the State Legal Officer, filed a robust Joint Counter-Affidavit establishing that FRSC personnel acted lawfully, professionally, and strictly in line with safety and security considerations.
The applicant had sought damages of ₦950,006,161.25, but the Court affirmed FRSC’s position and dismissed all claims.
Reacting to the judgment, Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed said the ruling reinforces public confidence in FRSC’s professionalism and lawful enforcement procedures.
“This outcome is a strong judicial affirmation that our personnel remain committed to fairness, professionalism, respect for human rights, and the safety of all road users,” he stated, warning against attempts to obstruct lawful enforcement operations or malign officers carrying out legitimate duties.
