By Karen James
The Federal High Court in Lagos has ruled that the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) cannot arrest or penalize motorists for using faded vehicle number plates. The judgment, delivered by Justice Akintayo Aluko, stems from a lawsuit filed by legal practitioner Chinwike Chamberlain Ezebube against the FRSC.
Ezebube, in his suit filed on February 13, 2024, argued that since the FRSC is solely responsible for the design and production of vehicle number plates in Nigeria, it should also be held accountable for their quality and durability. He contended that motorists should not be penalized for using faded number plates caused by poor production standards. Ezebube further sought a declaration that the FRSC should replace defective number plates at no extra cost to vehicle owners.
The FRSC, represented by its counsel B.O. Nnamani, opposed the suit, urging the court to dismiss it with punitive costs. However, Justice Aluko ruled in favor of Ezebube, holding that the FRSC has no legal authority to criminalize the use of faded number plates or impose fines without a court order.
The court clarified that while motorists are responsible for applying for replacements for faded number plates, they must pay the standard replacement fees. Justice Aluko also issued a binding order preventing the FRSC from declaring the use of faded number plates an offense or penalizing drivers for it.
Ezebube was directed to apply for a replacement of his faded number plate, which the FRSC is now required to provide upon payment of the regular fee.
This ruling serves as a significant precedent for motorists and highlights the responsibility of the FRSC to ensure the quality of the vehicle number plates it produces.
