By Juliet Aliwo
Lagos, Nigeria – The Federal High Court in Lagos has ruled that the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) lacks the authority to arrest drivers of vehicles with faded number plates.
Justice Akintayo Aluko delivered the judgment in a suit filed by Chinwike Chamberlain Ezebube against the FRSC. In his suit, Ezebube challenged the FRSC’s right to penalize drivers for faded number plates, arguing that the FRSC, as the issuer of the plates, is responsible for their quality and durability.
Justice Aluko agreed with the plaintiff, stating that while the FRSC cannot criminalize the use of faded number plates, drivers are responsible for replacing them with new ones from the FRSC upon payment of the appropriate fees.
An order prohibiting the FRSC from imposing any fine or penalty on the plaintiff for driving with a faded vehicle number plate.
“An order mandating the FRSC to replace the plaintiff’s faded vehicle number plate, LSD905EQ, or any other faded plates on his vehicle(s) at no extra cost, upon payment of the initial plate issuance fee and any other relief the court deems appropriate.
In response, the FRSC, through its lawyer, B.O. Nnamani, filed a counter-affidavit and requested the court to dismiss the plaintiff’s suit with punitive costs.
After reviewing the case, including all filed documents and cited authorities, Justice Aluko ruled in favour of the plaintiff, addressing each of the questions posed.
The judge held that while the FRSC cannot criminalise the use of faded vehicle number plates, the plaintiff has the responsibility to approach the FRSC for a replacement of his faded number plate upon payment of the appropriate fees.
The court also issued an order restraining the FRSC from imposing any fines or penalties on drivers for using vehicles with faded number plates.
This judgment has significant implications for motorists across Nigeria, as it clarifies the legal boundaries of the FRSC’s powers regarding vehicle number plates.
