Court Bars FRSC from Enforcing Traffic Rules in Kano

On Thursday, a Federal High Court in Kano, presided over by Justice M.S. Shuaibu, ruled that the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) does not possess the legal authority to enforce traffic regulations on roads managed by state and local governments.

This judgment arose from a case filed by Kano lawyer Abba Hikima, who challenged the actions of FRSC officials who stopped motorists to request driving licenses without any traffic offenses committed. The court found that such actions violated the constitutional rights of motorists, including personal liberty and freedom of movement.

As part of the ruling, the court granted Hikima's request for a permanent restraining order against FRSC officials from harassing motorists on Kano State roads without legal authority. Additionally, the court directed the FRSC to publish a public apology in national newspapers and awarded Hikima N800,000 in damages for legal costs incurred.