Kano Court Restrains FRSC from Operating on State Roads

The Federal High Court in Kano has ruled that officials of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) have no legal authority to enforce traffic regulations on state and local government roads, declaring such operations within Kano metropolis unlawful.

In a judgment delivered on Thursday, Justice M. S. Shuaibu held that the commission exceeded its statutory powers when its personnel stopped, questioned and delayed motorists on township roads in July 2025.

The court found that the actions of the FRSC officers violated the applicant’s fundamental rights to personal liberty and freedom of movement as guaranteed under Sections 35 and 41 of the 1999 Constitution.

The suit was instituted by Kano-based lawyer, Abba Hikima, who challenged the legality of the commission’s operations on roads under the control of the state and local governments.

Hikima had argued that FRSC officials mounted checkpoints on township roads and demanded drivers’ licences from motorists despite the absence of any primary traffic offence. He maintained that the commission’s enabling law limits its operational jurisdiction to federal highways.

Agreeing with the applicant, the court granted the key reliefs sought in the suit, including a perpetual injunction restraining FRSC officers from stopping, harassing or interfering with motorists on Kano State roads without lawful authority.

Justice Shuaibu also directed the commission to publish a public apology in a national newspaper for violating the applicant’s rights.

In addition, the court awarded N800,000 against the FRSC as damages and litigation costs.

The legal dispute stemmed from an encounter in July 2025 when FRSC operatives allegedly established checkpoints on township roads across Kano metropolis, where they stopped and questioned motorists, including Hikima.

The applicant subsequently approached the Federal High Court, contending that the commission acted outside the scope of its statutory mandate and unlawfully infringed on his constitutional rights.