A Federal High Court in Lagos has barred the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) from impounding vehicles or imposing fines on motorists for driving with faded number plates.
Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Akintayo Aluko ruled that while motorists must replace faded number plates through the FRSC, the agency lacks the authority to penalise drivers or confiscate vehicles over the issue.
The case was brought by legal practitioner Chinwike Ezebube, who filed the suit on February 13, 2024, challenging the FRSC’s actions. He argued that, as the sole producer of vehicle number plates under the Federal Road Safety Commission Act 2007, the FRSC is responsible for their quality and durability.
Ezebube asked the court to determine whether the FRSC could criminalise the use of faded number plates caused by substandard production and prayed for an order compelling the agency to replace such plates at no cost.
However, B.O. Nnamani, counsel to the FRSC, opposed the suit, seeking its dismissal with punitive costs.
In his ruling, Justice Aluko stated, “The defendant cannot criminalise the use of faded vehicle number plates. The plaintiff has a duty to approach the defendant for a replacement upon payment of the requisite fees.
“By way of conclusion, I hold the view that the defendant cannot criminalise the use of faded vehicle number plates and has no power to impose a fine or impound the plaintiff’s vehicle on such grounds without a court order.”
The court ordered the FRSC to desist from declaring it an offence to drive with faded number plates and barred it from imposing fines or punishment on motorists in such cases. Additionally, the court directed Ezebube to replace his faded number plate (LSD905EQ) through the FRSC upon payment of the required fees.
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