The Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has dismissed a ₦950 million fundamental rights enforcement suit filed against the Federal Road Safety Corps, describing the claims as lacking merit and affirmed the professionalism of the Corps’ personnel.
The suit, marked FHC/PH/FHR/447/2022, was instituted by Barrister Osita Nnadozie against the Sector Commander of the Rivers State Sector Command and eight others over alleged violation of his fundamental rights.
Delivering judgement in the matter, the court held that the applicant failed to provide credible evidence to substantiate claims of rights violations and consequently dismissed the case in its entirety.
The case stemmed from an enforcement operation conducted on October 2, 2022, along the Port Harcourt–Owerri Road in Elele, where the applicant was reportedly intercepted by patrol operatives of the RS6.13 Isiokpo Unit Command for seatbelt violation and failure to stop for lawful checks.
According to evidence presented before the court, the applicant allegedly accelerated dangerously toward an FRSC marshal during the operation, forcing the officer to jump into the bush to avoid being hit before the applicant was eventually apprehended and booked for traffic offences.
The court also examined events surrounding the applicant’s entry into the premises of the Isiokpo Unit Command after official working hours on October 5, 2022. He was reportedly found taking photographs within the facility and was subsequently handed over to the police for profiling and identification on security grounds.
In defending the suit, the respondents, through the State Legal Officer, filed a joint counter-affidavit which the court found convincing in establishing that the actions of FRSC personnel were lawful, professional and guided by safety and security considerations.
The applicant had sought damages amounting to ₦950,006,161.25 against the FRSC and other respondents, but the court dismissed all claims after reviewing submissions from both parties.
Reacting to the judgement, Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed reiterated the Corps’ commitment to professionalism, fairness, respect for human rights and the safety of all road users.
He also warned against attempts to obstruct lawful enforcement operations or malign officers carrying out legitimate duties.
The FRSC described the judgement as a strong judicial affirmation of the Corps’ operational discipline and lawful enforcement procedures.
