Court Bars FRSC From Operating On Kano Township Roads

The Federal High Court in Kano has ruled that the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) lacks the legal authority to operate on state and local government roads, declaring the commission’s activities on township roads in Kano metropolis unlawful.

Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice M. S. Shuaibu held that FRSC officers exceeded their statutory powers when they stopped, questioned and delayed motorists on township roads in July 2025.

The court ruled that the actions violated the applicant’s constitutional rights to personal liberty and freedom of movement as guaranteed under Sections 35 and 41 of the 1999 Constitution.

The suit was instituted by Kano-based lawyer, Abba Hikima, who challenged the legality of the commission’s operations after he was stopped by FRSC personnel at a checkpoint within Kano metropolis.

According to the applicant, the officers demanded his driver’s licence and subjected him to questioning despite the absence of any traffic offence, an action he argued amounted to a violation of his fundamental rights.

Hikima further contended that the FRSC’s statutory mandate is limited to federal highways and does not extend to roads under the control of state or local governments.

In its judgment, the court granted all the substantive reliefs sought by the applicant, including a perpetual injunction restraining FRSC personnel from stopping, harassing or interfering with motorists on Kano State roads without lawful authority.

The court also ordered the commission to publish a public apology in a national newspaper for violating the applicant’s rights.

In addition, Justice Shuaibu awarded ₦800,000 in damages and costs against the FRSC in favour of the applicant.