Appeal Court Rules FRSC Cannot Seize Drivers’ Licences or Vehicles Without Legal Grounds

The Court of Appeal in Owerri, Imo State, has affirmed that the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) lacks the legal authority to confiscate drivers' licences, vehicles, or related documents without lawful justification. The appellate court upheld the High Court’s decision, stating that such seizures are violations of fundamental human rights.

The judgment was issued in Appeal No: CA/OW/199/2022, filed by Dr. Emmanuel Ugochukwu Shebbs, who had challenged the seizure of his licence and vehicle during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown along Bende Road in Umuahia. Despite having valid documents and safety equipment, Shebbs was stopped, fined ₦3,000, and had his licence confiscated after resisting an alleged bribe request.

In a unanimous ruling delivered by Justices Amina Audi Wambai, M. Lawal Abubakar, and Ntong F. Ntong, the Appeal Court reduced the damages from ₦30 million to ₦10 million for Shebbs but upheld the principle that FRSC must not act as judge and jailer without due process. The ruling now sets a legal precedent, empowering motorists to demand legal redress if their properties are unfairly seized. Dr. Shebbs called on Nigerians to know and protect their rights under this landmark judgment.

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