A Federal High Court in Abuja has restrained the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) from imposing fines on motorists for violating the Third Party Motor Vehicle Insurance Act.
The ruling, delivered on Friday by Justice Hauwa Yilwa, followed a suit filed by activist and lawyer Deji Adeyanju against the Inspector-General of Police, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the FRSC.
Court draws line between enforcement and punishment
In her judgment, the court held that while the police and FRSC have the authority to enforce compliance with motor insurance laws, they lack the power to impose fines without court backing.
Counsel to the applicant, Marvin Omorogbe, said the ruling clearly limits the role of law enforcement agencies to checks and verification.
“The police and the road safety may enforce compliance but outrightly lack the powers to impose fines,” he said.
The court further restrained the agencies and their officers from issuing penalties to motorists over third-party insurance violations.
Suit challenges police powers
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/291/2025, sought judicial clarification on whether law enforcement agencies could enforce and penalise non-compliance with motor vehicle insurance laws.
Adeyanju, who initiated the suit, argued that such actions by authorities often lead to arbitrary fines and potential abuse.
Reacting after the judgment, he said the ruling addressed the core concerns raised in the case.
“The sole reason why we came to court is because we wanted a declaration that the police and FRSC do not have the right to impose fines on Nigerians. And we have succeeded,” he said.
Defendants plan appeal
Counsel to the defendants, Victor Okoye, described the ruling as partly favourable and indicated plans to challenge it at the Court of Appeal.
He argued that the suit was improperly filed and questioned the court’s jurisdiction, noting that the matter should not have been initiated through an originating summons.
Despite the objections, the court proceeded to deliver its judgment, while also affirming that both the police and FRSC can stop motorists and verify compliance with insurance requirements.
The ruling is expected to reshape enforcement practices and has already drawn attention in latest Nigerian news and breaking news Nigeria today.