Court Rules FRSC Lacks Authority on Kano Township Roads

On July 1, 2025, Justice M.S. Shuaibu of the Federal High Court in Kano delivered a landmark judgment declaring that the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) does not possess the statutory authority to operate on township roads within Kano State.

The ruling was in response to a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by Kano-based lawyer Abba Hikima against the FRSC's Kano State command. The court found that the FRSC's actions, including stopping and interrogating motorists on non-federal roads, violated the fundamental rights of individuals as guaranteed under Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution.

Justice Shuaibu ruled that the practice of mounting roadblocks and impounding vehicles without legal authority constituted a breach of personal liberty. Consequently, the court issued a perpetual injunction restraining FRSC officials from harassing motorists on Kano State roads and ordered the FRSC to publish a public apology to Hikima in a national daily newspaper.

Additionally, the court awarded N800,000 in general damages to Hikima.