A Federal High Court in Lagos State has barred the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) from arresting or penalizing motorists for driving with faded vehicle number plates.
Delivering judgment on the case, Justice Akintayo Aluko ruled on Friday that the FRSC, as the sole producer and designer of vehicle number plates in Nigeria, is responsible for the quality and durability of the plates it issues.
The court held that the agency cannot criminalize the use of faded plates caused by its production flaws.
The ruling stemmed from a lawsuit filed by Chinwike Chamberlain Ezebube, marked FHC/L/CS/253/2024. Ezebube, through his counsel, U.G. Nwokedi, challenged the FRSC’s authority to penalize drivers over the deteriorating quality of its number plates.
In the suit, Ezebube questioned whether: the FRSC is accountable for the poor quality and durability of vehicle number plates it produces, the agency has the right to penalize Nigerians for defects in the plates, and the FRSC is obligated to replace faded plates at no extra cost to vehicle owners.
Justice Aluko resolved all issues in favor of the plaintiff, affirming that drivers should not be penalized for faded number plates and directing the FRSC to replace such plates upon payment of standard fees.
The court granted an order restraining the FRSC from declaring it an offense to drive with faded number plates.
It also granted an order barring the FRSC from imposing fines or other punishments on drivers with faded plates.
The court granted a directive for vehicle owners to approach the FRSC for replacements, which must be provided upon payment of the requisite fees.
Justice Aluko emphasized that the FRSC lacks the authority to impound vehicles or impose fines without a court order, adding, “The defendant cannot criminalize the use of faded vehicle number plates or penalize drivers for a flaw arising from its production.”
The FRSC, represented by its counsel B.O. Nnamani, had filed a counter-affidavit urging the court to dismiss the suit with punitive costs.
However, the court dismissed the FRSC’s arguments, citing the agency’s statutory responsibilities under the Federal Road Safety Commission Act, 2007.
Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE