By Suleiman Abdulmumin
In a landmark judgment delivered on June 23, 2025, Honourable Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court, Lagos, in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/2367/2024 between Ojo Victor Olomi v. Federal Road Safety Commission, dismissed the applicant’s claims challenging the legality of a fine imposed and the confiscation of his driver’s licence by FRSC officials.
The case stemmed from the applicant’s unlawful modification of his vehicle’s number plate by hand-painting, which rendered it non-reflective—an act clearly in contravention of the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2016, which mandate that all number plates remain reflective for visibility, security, and enforcement purposes.
The Honourable Court affirmed that such modification constitutes a legal violation, and ruled that the confiscation of the applicant’s driver’s licence does not amount to an infringement of his fundamental human rights, contrary to his claims.
This verdict marks a significant affirmation by the judiciary of the Federal Road Safety Corps’ powers to enforce traffic laws, particularly regarding vehicle identification and compliance with safety regulations.
Importantly, the Court drew a clear distinction from an earlier ruling in Chinwike Chamberlain Ezebube v. FRSC, stating unequivocally that hand-painting of number plates is a traffic offence punishable by law.
The FRSC considers this judgement a pivotal victory in its continued mission to promote order, discipline, security, and safety on Nigerian roads. It also reaffirms the Corps’ statutory mandate to enforce traffic laws without fear or favour, as provided under the FRSC Establishment Act and other applicable traffic regulations.
Accordingly, the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, urges all motorists to refrain from actions that undermine road safety and violate established laws, including tampering with or altering number plates. He also advises the public to disregard misleading interpretations of previous judgements and take note of the legal clarity now provided.
The FRSC remains committed to creating a safer motoring environment and will continue to execute its lawful duties with professionalism, integrity, and full respect for the rights of all Nigerians.