In a precedent-setting judgement, the Federal High Court in Lagos has affirmed the legal authority of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to penalize motorists who tamper with their vehicle number plates. The decision, delivered on June 23, 2025, by Justice Musa Kakaki, reinforces the Corps' statutory role in enforcing national road safety laws.
The case, Ojo Victor Olomi v. FRSC (Suit No: FHC/L/CS/2367/2024), challenged the legality of a fine and driver’s licence confiscation issued after the applicant was found to have hand-painted his vehicle number plate, rendering it non-reflective—a direct violation of the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2016.
Court: Driver’s Rights Not Infringed
Justice Kakaki ruled that the actions taken by FRSC were lawful and did not infringe on the applicant's fundamental human rights as claimed. The court emphasized that the modification of number plates not only violates traffic law but also compromises visibility, enforcement, and national security objectives.
The court further distinguished this case from earlier rulings, notably Chinwike Chamberlain Ezebube v. FRSC, and declared that hand-painting number plates constitutes a punishable traffic offence.
FRSC Reacts: Victory for Road Safety and Rule of Law
Reacting to the ruling, the Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, described the judgment as a pivotal legal victory in the agency's mission to uphold traffic discipline and protect lives on Nigerian roads.
> “This verdict reaffirms our lawful mandate to enforce road safety regulations in line with the FRSC Establishment Act. We urge all motorists to desist from unlawful modifications of vehicle identification materials,” he stated.
Public Advisory
The FRSC also used the opportunity to caution the public against misinterpreting prior court decisions and encouraged motorists to comply with regulations regarding reflective number plates, as mandated for visibility and enforcement.
> “Tampering with number plates in any form is illegal, unsafe, and punishable. This ruling provides the legal clarity needed,” said Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide, FRSC’s Public Education Officer.
The Corps reiterated its commitment to professionalism, legal compliance, and respect for citizen rights, while calling on all road users to join hands in creating a safer motoring environment for all.
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