The Federal High Court in Abuja has barred the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Road Safety Corps from imposing fines on motorists for breaching the Third Party Motor Vehicle Insurance Act without a court order.
Justice Hauwa Yilwa gave the ruling in a suit filed by activist and lawyer Deji Adeyanju against the Inspector-General of Police, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the FRSC.
The court held that while the police and FRSC have statutory powers to enforce compliance with motor vehicle insurance laws, they lack authority to impose fines or penalties on their own. Only a court can validly sanction erring motorists, Justice Yilwa said, stressing that enforcement must follow due process.
Justice Yilwa also dismissed a Notice of Preliminary Objection filed by the police seeking to halt the judgment. Counsel to the police, Victor Okoye, had challenged the court’s jurisdiction, citing improper service. The court found that the police were duly served multiple times and described the objection as a delay tactic.
The court dismissed both the preliminary objection and a joinder application before delivering judgment.
The ruling clarifies the limits of law enforcement powers: the police and FRSC may check compliance, but penalty imposition rests solely with the judiciary.
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