Upholding FRSC’s authority
The Court of Appeal, Calabar Division, has upheld the powers of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to impound vehicles and impose fines on erring motorists, as demonstrated in the case of lawyer Micheal Benson in Akwa Ibom State.
Legal battle and lower court ruling
Benson challenged FRSC’s authority and the impoundment of his Toyota saloon car for driver’s license, vehicle license, and tyre violations. The Akwa Ibom State High Court dismissed his application, stating that FRSC has the constitutional powers to impound vehicles and fine motorists.
Appeal dismissal and cost awarded
Dissatisfied with the lower court’s ruling, Benson took the case to the Court of Appeal. However, the three-judge panel upheld the previous judgment, emphasizing that FRSC possesses the necessary powers for arrest and prosecution. The panel also dismissed Benson’s claim for N10 million in damages and instead awarded a cost of N50,000 against him in favor of FRSC.
