Federal High Court Restricts FRSC from Arresting Vehicle Owners Over Faded Number Plates

 By Lod Onyeji

In a landmark judgment, a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has barred the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) from arresting vehicle owners with faded number plates. 

Justice Akintayo Aluko delivered the verdict, also prohibiting the FRSC from imposing fines or punishments on drivers with faded vehicle number plates.

The court's decision stems from a suit filed by Chinwike Chamberlain Ezebube, who challenged the FRSC's authority to penalize vehicle owners for faded number plates. Ezebube's lawyer, U.G. Nwokedi, argued that the FRSC, as the sole designer and producer of vehicle number plates in Nigeria, is responsible for their quality and durability.

Justice Aluko's judgment determined that the FRSC cannot criminalize the use of faded vehicle number plates and has no power to impose fines or impound vehicles without a court order. 

However, the court also emphasized that vehicle owners have a duty to approach the FRSC for replacement of faded number plates upon payment of the requisite fees.

The court's orders include:

• Restricting FRSC from Declaring Offence: The FRSC is barred from declaring it an offense to drive with a faded vehicle number plate.
• Restricting FRSC from Imposing Fines: The FRSC is prohibited from imposing any fine or punishment on vehicle owners for driving with faded vehicle number plates.
• Replacement of Faded Number Plates: The FRSC is directed to replace faded vehicle number plates upon payment of the reasonable and requisite fee.

This judgment has significant implications for vehicle owners in Nigeria, providing relief from potential harassment and penalties from the FRSC over faded number plates.