Umuahia, Nigeria — In a landmark human rights ruling, the Court of Appeal has upheld the judgment of a High Court awarding ₦10 million in damages to Dr Emmanuel Shebbs against the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). The appellate court affirmed that the actions of FRSC officers, who unlawfully seized Dr Shebbs’ driver’s licence during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, constituted a violation of his fundamental rights.
Court Judgment awarding the Sum of #10,000,000 to Dr. Shebbs against FRSC
The case stems from an incident that occurred along Bende Road in Umuahia, Abia State, during one of the government-sanctioned days for essential movement amidst the COVID-19 lockdown. According to court filings, Dr Shebbs was stopped by FRSC personnel, who, after inspecting his documents and finding no infractions, allegedly demanded a bribe.
When Dr Shebbs explained that he had no cash on him, the officers conducted a second inspection and accused him of fabricated offences, including possessing a “worn-out tyre” and “no spare tyre.” His driver’s licence was then confiscated, and he was asked to pay a ₦3,000 fine.
Rather than yield to what he described as extortion, Dr Shebbs approached the High Court seeking enforcement of his fundamental rights. In a bold legal move that lasted over five years, the court ruled in his favour and initially awarded ₦30 million in damages. The FRSC appealed, and while the Court of Appeal upheld the ruling, it reduced the damages to ₦10 million.
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In its judgement in FRSC & Anor v. Shebbs, the Court of Appeal held that the seizure of a driver’s licence or vehicle documents by the FRSC without a formal charge or court action amounts to a breach of fundamental rights. The ruling sets a critical judicial precedent and strengthens the legal protections of road users against arbitrary actions by law enforcement officers.
Reacting to the ruling, Dr Shebbs described the verdict as a victory not just for him, but for many Nigerian youths who have been victims of abuse by officers in uniform. “This case was never about the money,” he said. “It’s about justice, accountability, and the development of human rights law in Nigeria.”
He vowed to make the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgement available to lawyers handling similar cases and praised the judiciary for what he called a “revolutionary and legendary” decision.
The judgement is expected to impact how FRSC and similar agencies handle interactions with motorists going forward. Legal analysts say it reinforces the principle that no agency has the right to confiscate personal property without due process.
Dr Shebbs also extended appreciation to his legal team led by Mr. Madike, Esq., and friends and colleagues who supported him throughout the legal battle. “There is hope in the Nigerian judiciary if only citizens follow the legal pathways available,” he concluded.
This decision comes as a morale boost to many Nigerians advocating for police and paramilitary reforms, especially concerning the abuse of power and unlawful detention of personal property.
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