Court Blocks Police, FRSC from Fining Motorists Without Order

On a recent date, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice H.J. Yilwa, issued an order that restrains the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) from imposing fines or penalties on motorists for violations of the Third Party Motor Vehicle Insurance Act without a valid court order.

This ruling came as a result of a suit filed by human rights lawyer Mr. Deji Adeyanju.

Justice Yilwa dismissed a preliminary objection raised by the police regarding the court's jurisdiction to entertain the case, stating that the evidence of service was adequately documented. The court noted that the original summons had been served to the police on multiple dates, including April 3, May 21, November 14, January 28, and April 21.

The judgment emphasized that while the police and FRSC have statutory powers to enforce the insurance act, they lack the authority to impose fines without a court order.