Court Stops Police, FRSC From Imposing Fines On Motorists Without Court Order

A Federal High Court in Abuja has restrained the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) from imposing fines on motorists for alleged violations of the Third Party Motor Vehicle Insurance Act without first obtaining a valid court order.

The judgment, delivered by Justice Hauwa Joseph Yilwa, followed a suit filed by human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju, who challenged what he described as the unlawful practice of instant fines issued by law enforcement agencies on motorists accused of failing to comply with compulsory third-party insurance requirements.

In her ruling, Justice Yilwa dismissed a preliminary objection raised by the police questioning the court’s jurisdiction. The judge held that the police were properly served with court documents but failed to file any response, adding that such failure weakened their objection.

The court subsequently granted the reliefs sought by the applicant and issued an order restraining both the police and the FRSC from imposing fines directly on motorists without due judicial process.

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The ruling specifically prohibits the agencies from enforcing penalties or collecting fines for insurance-related offences without first approaching a competent court of law.

Legal experts say the judgment reinforces a core constitutional principle in Nigeria’s justice system—that only courts have the authority to impose penalties for offences, including traffic and insurance violations.

The decision is expected to have far-reaching implications for traffic law enforcement in Nigeria, particularly in how agencies handle compliance with motor insurance regulations. It may require enforcement bodies to adopt prosecution-based approaches rather than immediate roadside penalties.

For motorists, the ruling is seen as a significant safeguard against what has long been criticised as arbitrary or extortion-like practices during traffic stops. However, it does not remove the legal obligation to maintain valid third-party motor insurance.

The court’s decision also raises broader questions about due process in law enforcement, citizens’ rights, and the limits of administrative powers exercised by regulatory agencies.

While the ruling marks a major legal development, its enforcement will depend on compliance by the affected agencies, possible appeals, and future judicial interpretations by higher courts.

Court Stops Police, FRSC From Imposing Fines On Motorists Without Court Order

Cyberstalking: Ohiri to Face Trial Over 13-Count Charges Against Umahi

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed April 29, 2026, for the arraignment of Ms Tracynither Ohiri, who is facing a 13-count charge of cyberstalking and defamation against the Minister of Works, David Umahi.

Justice James Omotosho set the new date on Friday after the prosecution counsel, Wisdom Madaki, requested an adjournment to enable proper service of court documents on the defendant, who was absent in court.

The case, filed by the Nigeria Police Force, centres on multiple alleged defamatory social media publications said to have been made by Ohiri between 2023 and 2025 on platforms including TikTok, Facebook, and online media channels. The charge is registered as FHC/ABJ/CR/172/2026.

At the Friday sitting, neither the defendant nor her legal representative was present. The prosecution told the court that repeated attempts to serve her had failed, prompting the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) and his team to travel to Lagos on April 20 to locate her, but were reportedly unable to serve her personally.

Justice Omotosho, while expressing concern over delays, warned that the case could be struck out if arraignment does not proceed promptly. The matter was consequently adjourned to April 29 for arraignment.

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The 13-count charge alleges that Ohiri made false and damaging claims against Umahi, including allegations that he threatened her life, abused his office, and owed her large sums of money.

In one count, she is accused of posting a TikTok video on October 16, 2023, alleging that Umahi threatened to kill her if she entered Ebonyi State. Another count references a March 8, 2024 video in which she allegedly accused the minister of victimising her for refusing sexual advances.

The prosecution further alleges that she circulated claims on social media and Sahara Reporters on March 28, 2025, alleging that Umahi owed her over ₦200 million for campaign-related services, an allegation the state says she knew to be false.

Other charges include accusations that she amplified defamatory content with intent to cause public hatred and reputational damage under provisions of Nigeria’s Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act.

The dispute reportedly originated from Ohiri’s claim that she was owed ₦250 million for printing and promotional services linked to Umahi’s 2015 governorship campaign in Ebonyi State. She further alleged that unpaid debts later escalated into personal disputes and threats.

The matter has also attracted public attention following her arrest in Lagos and transfer to Abuja, where she was initially arraigned before a magistrate court in Wuse and granted bail on related defamation charges.

Civil society voices, including activist Omoyele Sowore, previously criticised the handling of the case, arguing it raises broader concerns about the criminalisation of civil disputes and online speech in Nigeria.

The case also briefly escalated into controversy after Ohiri publicly accused her former lawyer, Marshal Abubakar, of mishandling negotiations and pressuring her to withdraw allegations. The lawyer denied wrongdoing, stating that she failed to provide evidence of contractual claims and later voluntarily issued a public apology to Umahi.

With the April 29 date now fixed, the court is expected to proceed with arraignment, where the defendant will take her plea on the multi-count cybercrime charges.

Cyberstalking: Ohiri to Face Trial Over 13-Count Charges Against Umahi

Nigerian Union Demands Autopsy After Member Dies in South African Police Custody

The Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) has called for a full autopsy and independent investigation following the death of one of its members, Ekpenyong Andrew, a Nigerian mechanic who was allegedly arrested by police officers in Pretoria and later found dead in a morgue under disputed circumstances.

Andrew was reportedly taken into custody on Sunday by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police in the Booysens area while returning from work. According to NUSA, he was later discovered dead the following day at the Pretoria Central Morgue.

The union’s president, Smart Nwobi, confirmed the development in a statement, saying Andrew’s partner, Ms Kuma Kaku, recounted that police officers had earlier visited their home the same day of the arrest to conduct a search for drugs, which reportedly yielded no incriminating evidence.

Nwobi described the circumstances as deeply suspicious, stating that the discovery of Andrew’s body shortly after his arrest raises “serious concerns of possible foul play.” He added that a murder case has already been opened at the Hercules police station under the South African Police Service (SAPS).

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“NUSA categorically condemns this alleged extra-judicial killing and calls for an immediate, thorough, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr Andrew’s death,” the statement read.

The union is demanding several actions, including the immediate suspension of the four Tshwane Metro Police officers allegedly involved, a probe by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), and compensation for the deceased’s family if wrongdoing is established.

NUSA also said the matter has been escalated to the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, urging diplomatic engagement to ensure accountability and justice.

The incident has added to growing concerns about deaths of Nigerians in South Africa police custody, a recurring issue that has previously triggered diplomatic complaints and calls for reforms in law enforcement conduct.

Human rights observers have also emphasized the importance of independent autopsies and transparent investigations in custody-related deaths to prevent allegations of cover-ups and ensure compliance with international policing standards.

Meanwhile, the union has appealed for calm among Nigerians living in South Africa, urging them to avoid retaliation and allow legal processes to take their course while monitoring developments closely.

South African authorities are yet to issue a detailed public statement on the case, but an official investigation is expected as custody-related deaths typically fall under the jurisdiction of IPID for independent review.

Nigerian Union Demands Autopsy After Member Dies in South African Police Custody