Appeal Court Rules FRSC Lacks Authority to Seize Licenses, Vehicles

The Court of Appeal in Owerri, Imo State, has delivered a landmark judgment, stating that the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) does not have the legal power to seize drivers' licenses, vehicles, or related documents without justification.

The ruling was made in Appeal No: CA/OW/199/2022, filed by the FRSC against Dr. Emmanuel Ugochukwu Shebbs, who had challenged the corps' authority to seize his driver's license and vehicle documents.

The appellate court upheld the earlier judgment of the High Court of Abia State, which ruled that such seizures violate fundamental human rights. The court also reduced the damages awarded to the respondent from ₦30 million to ₦10 million.

The case originated from an incident in 2020, during which FRSC officers stopped Shebbs in Umuahia and demanded a bribe after finding no fault with his vehicle. When he refused, they claimed his tire was worn out and seized his driver's license, issuing a ₦3,000 fine instead.

Shebbs sought redress at the High Court, citing the unlawful seizure as a violation of his fundamental rights. The Appeal Court's ruling has now reaffirmed the FRSC's liability for rights violation.