A court has ruled that the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) do not have the legal authority to impose fines on Nigerians over vehicle insurance violations.
Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju, who led the legal challenge, confirmed the development following the court’s decision. According to him, the suit was filed to seek a clear judicial interpretation of the powers of law enforcement agencies regarding enforcement of third-party motor insurance.
“The reason we came to court was because we wanted the court to make a clear declaration that the Police and FRSC do not have the right to impose fines on any Nigerian over vehicle insurance, and we have succeeded,” Adeyanju stated.
The ruling is expected to have far-reaching implications for motorists across the country, many of whom have long complained about what they described as arbitrary fines and enforcement practices related to third-party insurance compliance.
While the judgment clarifies that the agencies cannot directly impose fines, it does not eliminate the legal requirement for vehicle owners to obtain valid insurance, as mandated under Nigerian law.
