Court Restricts FRSC from Enforcing Activities on State and Local Roads in Kano
A Federal High Court in Kano has issued a ruling prohibiting the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) from enforcing regulations on state and local government roads within Kano State.
The court also determined that the agency lacks the legal authority to operate on township roads in Kano metropolis, citing such actions as a violation of residents’ rights.
Justice M.S. Shuaibu delivered the judgment on Thursday in a case brought before the court by Kano-based lawyer Abba Hikima.
The case arose from an incident in July 2025, when FRSC officials established checkpoints on township roads and stopped motorists for routine checks.
The court found that the FRSC exceeded its lawful powers by stopping, questioning, and delaying motorists outside its legal jurisdiction.
The ruling emphasized that these actions infringed upon citizens’ constitutional rights to personal liberty and freedom of movement, as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution.
Justice Shuaibu granted all the reliefs sought by the applicant, including a permanent injunction preventing FRSC personnel from stopping or harassing motorists on Kano State roads without legal authorization.
Additionally, the court ordered the FRSC to issue a public apology in a national newspaper and awarded ₦800,000 in damages plus legal costs to Hikima.
The case originated when Hikima challenged the conduct of FRSC officers who allegedly stopped him and other drivers on township roads, demanded licenses, and questioned them without any traffic offense.
Hikima argued that the FRSC’s statutory responsibilities are confined to federal highways and do not extend to roads managed by state or local governments.
The court upheld his position, ruling that the FRSC cannot continue enforcement activities on state, local government, or township roads in Kano without lawful authority.
