The Federal High Court in Abuja has restrained the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) from imposing fines on motorists over third-party motor vehicle insurance without a valid court order.
The ruling followed a suit filed by activist-lawyer Deji Adeyanju against the Inspector-General of Police, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the FRSC.
Delivering judgment, Justice Hauwa Yilwa held that while both agencies have the authority to enforce compliance with third-party motor insurance laws, they do not have the legal power to impose fines on alleged offenders.
According to the court, enforcement powers do not extend to punishment without judicial backing.
“The police and the road safety may enforce compliance but outrightly lack the powers to impose fines on third parties or vehicle owners,” the judgment stated.
The court further restrained the Inspector-General of Police, the Police Force, and FRSC officers from imposing fines on motorists in the course of enforcement.
Reacting to the judgment, Adeyanju said the decision met the primary objective of the suit.
“The sole reason why we came to court is that we wanted the court to make a positive declaration that the police and the road safety do not have the right to impose fines on any Nigerian over motor vehicle insurance. And we have succeeded,” he said.
He added that the ruling would help curb alleged extortion and improve public confidence among motorists.
However, counsel to the defendants, Victor Okoye, described the judgment as only partly favourable to the police and indicated plans to challenge it at the Court of Appeal, citing issues around jurisdiction and procedure.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/291/2025, was filed under provisions of the Motor Vehicles (Third Party Insurance) Act, 1950, the Insurance Act, 2003, and the Federal Road Safety Commission (Establishment) Act, 2007.
Counsel to the applicant, Marvin Omorogbe, said the court clearly drew a distinction between enforcement and punishment, reinforcing that sanctions must follow due legal process.
