metro

Court stops FRSC from penalising drivers with faded number plates

Published

2 years ago

January 18, 2025

faded number plate

Court stops FRSC from penalising drivers with faded number plates

The Federal High Court in Lagos has declared that the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) lacks the constitutional authority to arrest or penalize drivers for using vehicles with faded number plates.

Justice Akintayo Aluko delivered the judgment in a suit marked FHC/L/CS/253/2024, filed by Chinwike Chamberlain Ezebube, who challenged the FRSC’s actions.

In his suit, the plaintiff asked the court to determine the following questions “Whether, pursuant to Sections 5(g) and 10(3)(f) of the Federal Road Safety Commission Act of 2007, the FRSC, as the sole designer and producer of vehicle number plates in Nigeria, is not entirely responsible for the quality and durability of the vehicle number plates it produces.

“Whether the FRSC, being the sole designer and producer of vehicle number plates, is liable for any defects or poor quality resulting in the fading or peeling of the vehicle number plates.

“Whether the FRSC, as the sole designer and producer of vehicle number plates in Nigeria, has the right to penalize or threaten to penalize the plaintiff or other Nigerians for the fading or poor condition of the vehicle number plates it produces.

“Whether the FRSC can make it an offense and impose penalties on the plaintiff or others for driving vehicles with faded number plates due to the poor quality of production by the FRSC.

READ ALSO:

“Whether the FRSC is obligated to replace faded number plates at no cost to the plaintiff or other Nigerians, particularly when the fading is due to poor manufacturing by the FRSC.

Besides, the plaintiff sought for an order restraining the FRSC from declaring it an offense for the plaintiff to drive with a faded number plate.

“An order prohibiting the FRSC from imposing any fine or penalty on the plaintiff for driving with a faded vehicle number plate.
“An order mandating the FRSC to replace the plaintiff’s faded vehicle number plate, LSD905EQ, or any other faded plates on his vehicle(s) at no extra cost, upon payment of the initial plate issuance fee and any other relief the court deems appropriate.

In response, the FRSC, through its lawyer, B.O. Nnamani, filed a counter-affidavit and requested the court to dismiss the plaintiff’s suit with punitive costs.

After reviewing the case, including all filed documents and cited authorities, Justice Aluko ruled in favour of the plaintiff, addressing each of the questions posed.

The judge held that while the FRSC cannot criminalise the use of faded vehicle number plates, the plaintiff has the responsibility to approach the FRSC for a replacement of his faded number plate upon payment of the appropriate fees.

Justice Aluko concluded that the FRSC does not have the authority to criminalise the use of faded number plates.

Additionally, the FRSC cannot impose fines on the plaintiff or impound his vehicle on these grounds without an order from a court of competent jurisdiction.

The court in its final judgement made the following orders
“An order restraining the FRSC from declaring it an offense to drive with a faded vehicle number plate.

“An order prohibiting the FRSC from imposing fines or penalties on the plaintiff for driving with a faded vehicle number plate.

“An order directing the plaintiff to approach the FRSC for the replacement of his faded vehicle number plate, LSD905EQ, with the FRSC replacing it upon payment of the necessary fee.”

Court stops FRSC from penalising drivers with faded number plates

Related Topics:drivers frsc number plates

Up Next

Police comb Ogun swamp for abducted retired AIG’s wife

Don't Miss

6 Lakurawa terrorists, 5 soldiers killed in Sokoto during gunfire exchange

metro

Troops Take Down Zamfara Bandit Kingpins Baban Love, Mai Zamani, Three Others

Published

1 hour ago

October 6, 2026

Trends Admin

Troops Take Down Zamfara Bandit Kingpins Baban Love, Mai Zamani, Three Others

Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have killed at least five suspected bandits, including two notorious figures identified as Baban Love and Mai Zamani, during a gun battle in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The operation reportedly took place in the western axis of Tsafe LGA, where armed groups have maintained a presence and carried out attacks on communities and travellers.

Security sources said Baban Love, who was reportedly operating around Gunja, mobilised members of his gang before they encountered the troops, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.

The troops eventually overpowered the armed group, killing at least five suspected bandits, according to reports on the operation.

Mai Zamani was also identified among those killed. He was reportedly the younger brother of Idi Mai Randa, another suspected bandit kingpin who was killed about five months ago.

READ ALSO:

Residents of Kwarin Ganuwa were said to have celebrated the reported deaths of the two bandit leaders, while vehicles belonging to the group were reportedly recovered after the encounter.

Security sources said efforts were ongoing to identify the other suspected bandits killed during the operation and assess the weapons and other items recovered from the scene.

The latest operation is part of intensified military operations in Zamfara State aimed at disrupting the activities of armed groups and restricting their movement across the state’s forests and communities.

Zamfara has continued to experience attacks and abductions despite sustained military operations. Governor Dauda Lawal said on Monday that the state government was working to improve security response time, particularly in areas such as Tsafe, where notorious bandit leader Ado Alero and his gang have been active.

The governor said poor road access in some areas had affected the ability of security personnel to respond quickly to attacks, while the government was also deploying technology, including drones, to improve surveillance.

The military has yet to publicly release a detailed official statement on the reported killing of Baban Love, Mai Zamani and the other suspected bandits.

Troops Take Down Zamfara Bandit Kingpins Baban Love, Mai Zamani, Three Others

metro

FG Gives N250m To Families Of 37 Miners Who Died In NSCDC Custody

Published

2 hours ago

October 6, 2026

Trends Admin

Vice President Kashim Shettima, Niger State Governor Umaru Bago and Families Of Dead 37 Miners

FG Donates N250m To Families Of 37 Miners Who Died In NSCDC Custody

The Federal Government has donated N250 million to the families of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.

Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the financial support on Monday during a condolence visit to Minna, where he conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s sympathies to the bereaved families, the Niger State Government and the people of the state.

The 37 men died after they were arrested during an NSCDC operation against suspected illegal mining in Minna earlier in September. The circumstances surrounding their deaths remain under investigation.

Shettima said the Federal Government was determined to establish what happened and ensure that anyone found culpable was held accountable in accordance with the law.

He said the deaths of citizens while in government custody raised serious questions that could not be ignored, stressing that every person deprived of liberty remained entitled to the protection of the state.

“The death of 37 young men in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps calls for initial questions,” Shettima said, adding that grief alone could not answer the questions being asked by the victims’ families.

READ ALSO:

The Vice President assured the families that the Federal Government would get to the root of the tragedy and provide answers on the circumstances that led to the deaths.

He also urged Nigerians not to politicise the incident or use it to demonise Niger State Governor Umaru Bago, noting that the NSCDC is a Federal Government agency.

The Federal Government had earlier constituted a 10-member independent investigative committee to establish the identities of the deceased, investigate their arrest and detention, determine the cause and manner of death through medical and forensic examinations, and establish whether negligence, misconduct or other breaches of duty occurred.

Several NSCDC officers, including the Niger State Commandant, were also suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.

The committee, inaugurated by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, was given two weeks to complete its assignment and recommend appropriate action, including compensation where applicable.

Meanwhile, the Niger State Government has reportedly put the overall death toll connected to the incident at 38, with one additional person said to have been killed by gunfire during the unrest that followed the deaths. The 37 victims covered by the Federal Government’s N250 million support were those who died in NSCDC custody.

Governor Bago thanked the Federal Government for the intervention and said the state government would continue to cooperate with the investigative committee.

He also announced additional financial support for the affected families, while calling for stronger regulation of the mining sector and the creation of safer and lawful economic opportunities for young people.

The cause of the 37 miners’ deaths has not been conclusively established. The ongoing investigation is expected to determine what happened to the detainees and whether any individuals or institutions should be held responsible.

The Federal Government said the families deserve both justice and answers over the deaths.

FG Gives N250m To Families Of 37 Miners Who Died In NSCDC Custody

metro

FULL LIST: NAF Releases Names Of 25 Victims Killed In Ondo Crash

Published

2 hours ago

October 6, 2026

Trends Admin

FULL LIST: NAF Releases Names Of 25 Victims Killed In Ondo Crash

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the names of the 25 people killed in the Ondo aircraft crash, confirming that five crew members and 20 passengers were on board the ill-fated aircraft.

The NAF 931 ATR-42 aircraft crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State on Monday while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the NAF said no survivors had been found.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of the victims and directed a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The NAF also urged the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information.

The latest NAF figure of 25 people on board differs from the initial information released by aviation authorities on Monday, when the aircraft was reported to have had 25 passengers and seven crew members. The NAF’s subsequent review identified 20 passengers and five crew members. (State House Abuja)

READ ALSO:

FULL LIST OF VICTIMS

Crew members

Squadron Leader M.I. Aburime — Flight Captain
Squadron Leader A.P. Man-Ugwueje — Co-pilot
Flight Lieutenant I.S. Bako — Co-pilot
Warrant Officer Abubakar A. — Aircraft Technician
Corporal Uguru H.C. — Aircraft Technician

Passengers

Flight Lieutenant T.L. Lazarus
Flight Lieutenant M. Akinloye
Flying Officer I.M. Adeshina
Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F.
Master Warrant Officer Matini B.A.
Warrant Officer Nuhu F.S.
Flight Sergeant James R.B.
Flight Sergeant Mohammed A.I.
Sergeant Ani A.E.
Sergeant Izibenikien S.I.
Sergeant Alafuka C.
Sergeant Mbadugha A.N.
Lance Corporal Ugwuba F.C.
Lance Corporal Eledan G.E.
Mrs Ezeh Nneka
Godstmine Tarabina
Joy Micheal
Sunday Micheal
Ukeme David
Gideon Omotola

The Air Force said search-and-rescue procedures were activated immediately after the accident in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for everyone on board.

Aneke described the crash as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation and assured the bereaved families of the Service’s full support.

The NAF said it would continue to provide verified updates as the investigation progresses.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has also declared three days of national mourning for the personnel who died in the crash and directed that national flags be flown at half-mast. He also ordered a thorough investigation into the accident. (State House Abuja)

The exact cause of the Ondo plane crash remains under investigation.