A Federal High Court sitting in Bauchi has dismissed a N20 million lawsuit filed against the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) by one Dr. Ibrahim Danjuma and one other individual, vindicating the Corps in its authority to operate within the state.
In suit number FHC/BAU/CS/03/2024, the plaintiffs, through their counsel H.D. Ismaila, sought a declaration that the FRSC lacked jurisdiction to patrol state roads within Bauchi metropolis.
Danjuma also demanded N20 million in general and exemplary damages, citing alleged harassment of road users by FRSC personnel.
Moreover, the FRSC, represented by Estine Okolo, filed a preliminary objection and counter affidavit with supporting exhibits.
While delivering her judgment on Friday, Justice Aisha Ibrahim ruled that the plaintiffs failed to present sufficient evidence to establish that the roads in question were exclusively Bauchi state-owned.
Justice Ibrahim further held that no proof was presented to support the claim of harassment, concluding that the plaintiffs did not meet the burden of proof.
Commenting on the judgment, Bauchi State FRSC Sector Commander, Mr. Istifanus Ibrahim emphasised the importance of unified road safety efforts across all road categories.
“This is because when it comes to saving lives, it should not be defined as this is a federal or state road.
“If there is a road traffic crash now, the personnel going for a rescue mission will not go and stand there and discriminate by saying these people are on state or federal roads.
“There is the need for us to avoid this kind of dichotomy as to looking at the road as a state or federal road.
“We are on the road and we don’t discriminate whether somebody is on state or federal road, as our mission is to save lives, and the lives we save is for Nigerians and not for a state or federal,” Ibrahim noted.
