Kano Federal High Court Delivers Landmark Ruling, Declares Corps’ Operations on Township Roads “Illegal” and “Unconstitutional”
In a groundbreaking judgment that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s road safety enforcement system, the Federal High Court in Kano has barred the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) from operating on state and local government roads declaring such activities unlawful and a violation of citizens’ fundamental rights.
The Verdict: A Win for Motorists’ Rights
Presiding judge, M.S. Shuaibu, ruled in favour of Abba Hikima, a Kano-based lawyer who dragged the FRSC to court in July 2025 over what he described as harassment and overreach by the corps.
The court held that FRSC officers acted outside their statutory powers by:
· Stopping motorists on township roads
· Questioning and delaying drivers
· Demanding driver’s licences without any primary traffic offence
Constitutional Breach
The judge ruled that these actions violated:
· Section 35 – Right to personal liberty
· Section 41 – Right to freedom of movement
both guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
What the Court Ordered:
Relief Granted Details
. Perpetual Injunction Restraining FRSC personnel from stopping or harassing motorists on Kano State roads
. Public Apology FRSC ordered to publish apology in a national newspaper
. Damages N800,000 awarded to the applicant
The Backstory
The suit originated from an incident in July 2025, when FRSC operatives mounted checkpoints on township roads in Kano – stopping motorists, including Hikima himself, and demanding documents despite no traffic violation.
Hikima argued that the FRSC’s statutory mandate is strictly limited to FEDERAL highways – and does NOT extend to state or local government roads.
The court agreed.
Implications: A Nationwide Ripple Effect?
This ruling could have far-reaching consequences across Nigeria, potentially:
· Curbing FRSC operations on non-federal roads nationwide
· Empowering motorists to challenge illegal checkpoints
· Forcing the FRSC to reconsider its enforcement strategy
What This Means for Motorists
If you’re driving on state or local government roads especially in Kano FRSC officers may no longer have the legal authority to stop or question you.
