Court Upholds FRSC’s Right to Sanction Motorists for Tampered Number Plates

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has affirmed the authority of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to sanction motorists who tamper with their vehicle number plates, marking a significant legal backing for the Corps in its ongoing efforts to enforce compliance with national traffic regulations.

The judgment was delivered by Justice Musa Kakaki in a case brought by one Mr. Ojo Victor Olomi, who had challenged the legality of the FRSC’s decision to fine him and confiscate his driver’s licence after he was found driving a vehicle with a hand-painted number plate.

According to the FRSC, the number plate on Mr. Olomi’s car was non-reflective and did not meet the standard design and security specifications mandated by law. The Corps argued that such alterations undermine the integrity of vehicle identification, which is crucial for security tracking, law enforcement, and traffic management.

Mr. Olomi, however, approached the court claiming that the FRSC violated his fundamental rights by imposing sanctions without due process. He further asserted that his altered number plate did not constitute a serious enough infraction to warrant the seizure of his licence.

In delivering his ruling, Justice Kakaki held that Mr. Olomi’s actions indeed amounted to a traffic offence under the National Road Traffic Regulations 2016. The court ruled that the FRSC acted within its powers by sanctioning him and that the confiscation of his driver’s licence did not infringe upon his constitutional rights.

Significantly, the court clarified the distinction between a faded number plate and a tampered one. It referred to the earlier case of Ezebube v. FRSC, where the court ruled in favour of the plaintiff after finding that the issue stemmed from manufacturing defects. In contrast, Mr. Olomi’s case involved deliberate hand-painting, which the court said fell squarely within the scope of punishable violations.

Reacting to the judgment, the Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Malam Shehu Mohammed, welcomed the court’s decision, describing it as a “timely affirmation” of the agency’s responsibility to uphold road safety laws and protect national security through proper vehicle identification.

“This ruling is not just about enforcement—it is a reminder that tampering with number plates is a direct threat to public safety,” Mohammed said. “Number plates are not decorative items; they are legally mandated identifiers, and altering them intentionally compromises our ability to ensure road safety and track criminal activity.”

The ruling is expected to bolster the FRSC’s ability to prosecute similar offences and may prompt renewed public sensitization on the importance of complying with vehicle registration standards. It also sets a clear precedent that distinguishes between negligent damage and willful violation, offering legal clarity on the responsibilities of vehicle owners.

As traffic safety enforcement becomes increasingly critical in light of rising security challenges and road incidents, the court’s support is seen as a crucial endorsement of the FRSC’s broader mandate.