By Emeka Blast 
High Court Stops FRSC from Seizing Vehicles with Faded Plates
A Federal High Court in Lagos has ruled that the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) cannot arrest or penalize motorists for driving vehicles with faded number plates. Justice Akintayo Aluko delivered the judgment on January 17, 2025, in a case brought by legal practitioner Chinwike Ezebube. The suit challenged the FRSC’s authority to enforce penalties for faded plates, arguing that the agency, as the sole producer of vehicle number plates in Nigeria, is responsible for their quality and durability.The court agreed with Ezebube’s contention, stating that the FRSC lacks the constitutional authority to criminalize the use of faded number plates or impose fines without a court order. Justice Aluko emphasized that while the FRSC cannot penalize drivers for faded plates, individuals have a duty to approach the agency for a replacement upon payment of the requisite fees. The court also directed the FRSC to replace Ezebube’s faded number plate, LSD905EQ, upon payment of the necessary fees. This ruling has significant implications for vehicle owners across Nigeria, as it clarifies that the FRSC cannot arbitrarily penalize drivers for faded number plates without proper legal authority.
Emmanuel Dominic