The Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has dismissed a ₦950 million fundamental rights suit filed against the Federal Road Safety Corps, ruling that the applicant failed to prove any violation of his rights.
In Suit No: FHC/PH/FHR/447/2022, Barr. Osita Nnadozie had sued the Sector Commander, Rivers State Sector Command, and eight others over an encounter with FRSC operatives.
The court held that the applicant did not establish credible evidence of rights violation and dismissed the suit in its entirety for lack of merit.
The case stemmed from an enforcement operation on October 2, 2022, along the Port Harcourt–Owerri Road, Elele, where Nnadozie was stopped for seatbelt violation and failure to stop for checks.
Evidence before the court showed he accelerated toward an FRSC marshal, forcing the officer to jump into the bush before he was later apprehended and booked for traffic offences.
The court also considered Nnadozie’s entry into the Isiokpo Unit Command premises after working hours on October 5, 2022, where he was found taking photographs. He was handed over to the police for profiling as a precautionary security measure.
FRSC, through its State Legal Officer, filed a joint counter-affidavit establishing that personnel acted lawfully and professionally, guided by safety and security considerations.
The applicant had sought ₦950,006,161.25 in damages. After evaluating all processes, the court affirmed FRSC’s position and dismissed all claims against the Corps.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed said the judgment reinforces public confidence in FRSC’s professionalism and lawful enforcement procedures. He reiterated the Corps’ commitment to fairness, respect for human rights, and road safety, while warning against attempts to obstruct lawful operations or malign officers on duty.
The statement was signed by Deputy Corps Commander Osondu Ohaeri, Corps Public Education Officer, FRSC Headquarters, Abuja.
