Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has recorded a major legal victory as the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt dismissed Suit No: FHC/PH/FHR/447/2022 filed by Barr. Osita Nnadozie against the Sector Commander, Rivers State Sector Command and eight others. This was contained in a statement signed by Osondu Ohaeri, fnipr, fcai, Deputy Corps Commander, Corps Public Education Officer, Federal Road Safety Corps Headquarters, Abuja.
In a landmark judgement, the Honourable Court held that the Applicant failed to establish any credible evidence proving the alleged violation of his fundamental rights and consequently dismissed the suit in its entirety for lack of merit.
The case originated from an enforcement operation carried out on 2 October 2022 along the Port Harcourt–Owerri Road, Elele, where the Applicant was intercepted by patrol operatives of RS6.13 Isiokpo Unit Command for seatbelt violation and failure to stop for lawful checks.
Evidence before the Court revealed that the Applicant dangerously accelerated toward an FRSC Marshal during the operation, forcing the officer to jump into the bush to avoid being hit before the Applicant was later apprehended and booked for traffic offences.
The Court also considered the circumstances surrounding the Applicant’s unlawful entry into the premises of the Isiokpo Unit Command after official working hours on 5 October 2022, where he was found taking photographs within the premises and was subsequently handed over to the Police for profiling and identification as a precautionary security measure.
In defending the action, the Respondents, through the State Legal Officer filed a robust Joint Counter-Affidavit which successfully established that the actions of FRSC personnel were lawful, professional, and guided strictly by safety and security considerations.
The Applicant had sought damages in the sum of ₦950,006,161.25 against FRSC and other Respondents. However, after a thorough evaluation of all processes and submissions, the Court affirmed the position of FRSC and dismissed all claims against the Corps.
This judgement further reinforces public confidence in the professionalism, operational discipline, and lawful enforcement procedures of the Federal Road Safety Corps. It also serves as a strong judicial affirmation that FRSC personnel remain committed to carrying out their statutory responsibilities within the bounds of the law and established rules of engagement.
On this very note, the Corps Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed reiterates its commitment to fairness, professionalism, respect for human rights, and the safety of all road users while warning against attempts to obstruct lawful enforcement operations or malign officers carrying out legitimate duties.
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