A Federal High Court in Abuja has barred the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) from imposing fines on motorists over third-party motor insurance violations without first obtaining a valid court order.
The landmark ruling, delivered on Friday by Justice Hauwa Yilwa, followed a suit filed by activist and human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, who challenged what he described as the unlawful and arbitrary imposition of penalties by law enforcement agencies.
In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/291/2025, Adeyanju sued the Inspector-General of Police and other relevant authorities, asking the court to determine whether security agencies have the legal powers to punish motorists over alleged non-compliance with third-party insurance requirements.
In her judgment, Justice Yilwa made a clear distinction between enforcement and punishment, ruling that while the police and FRSC have the authority to stop vehicles and verify insurance compliance, they do not possess the legal powers to impose fines without judicial approval.
Counsel to the plaintiff, Marvin Omorogbe, explained that the court held firmly that enforcement agencies cannot assume the role of the judiciary.
“The agencies can enforce compliance but cannot arrogate to themselves the powers of a court by imposing fines,” Omorogbe told journalists shortly after the judgment.
The court subsequently restrained the police, the FRSC, and their officers across the country from issuing fines to motorists over third-party insurance violations—a practice that has long drawn criticism from road users who described it as exploitative and arbitrary.
Reacting to the ruling, Adeyanju said the judgment validated widespread public complaints over abuse of power by enforcement agencies.
“The sole purpose of this suit was to establish that these agencies do not have the legal right to impose fines on Nigerians. The court has now made that clear,” he said.
However, the defendants signaled plans to challenge the judgment at the appellate court.
Counsel to the defence, Victor Okoye, argued that the case was wrongly initiated and insisted that the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain it.
“We are likely to approach the Court of Appeal to determine whether this matter was competently brought before the court,” Okoye said.
Despite the objections, the court maintained its position, reinforcing that law enforcement agencies must operate strictly within the boundaries of the law and cannot unilaterally punish alleged offenders without judicial backing.
The ruling is expected to have far-reaching implications for motorists nationwide, particularly amid growing concerns over excessive roadside fines and the conduct of enforcement officers.
