The Owerri division of the Court of Appeal in Imo State has delivered a landmark judgment, upholding the ruling of the High Court that awarded N10 million in damages against the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) for unlawful harassment and seizure of vehicle documents from one Dr. Emmanuel Ugochukwu Shebbs during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020.
The matter, which has been in the courts for over five years, arose from an incident on Bende Road in Umuahia, Abia State, when Dr. Shebbs was stopped by FRSC officers on a government-sanctioned movement day during the lockdown.
He complied with all vehicle checks and was initially cleared. The officers then allegedly demanded a bribe under the pretence of a “tip and he declined, citing that he had no cash at the time. The officers proceeded to re-inspect his vehicle and fabricated new “offences,” including claims of worn-out tyres and absence of a spare.
His driver’s licence was confiscated, and a N3,000 fine was imposed arbitrarily.
The aggrieved doctor then proceeded to file a suit before the High Court instead of paying the fine, showing his ID or making calls to enforce his fundamental human rights, because he knew that thousands of young Nigerians didn’t have the privilege of connections, and he decided to fight it.
The three-man panel of the Appellate Court, presided over by Hon. Justice Amina Audi Wambai, ruled in favour of Dr. Shebbs, affirming that the actions of FRSC officers along Bende Road, Umuahia, were illegal, abusive, and violated his fundamental rights.
The Court ruled in his favour initially awarding N30 million in damages, a sum later reviewed and upheld at N10 million by the Court of Appeal.
The Appeal Court, in its verdict, declared that FRSC officers do not have the legal right to seize a citizen’s driver’s licence, vehicle, or documents without due court process.
It ruled that such actions, when carried out without justification or charges, constitute a clear breach of constitutional rights.
“This judgment sets a solid precedent,” said Dr. Shebbs.
“It is not about the money. It is about challenging the normalisation of abuse by agencies meant to protect us, but turned against the citizens.”
“FRSC learns the hard way! N10m fine for unlawfully seizing driver’s documents sends a strong message about accountability and respect for citizens’ rights. Justice served?”