By Ghazali Ibrahim
A Federal High Court has restrained the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) from imposing fines on motorists for alleged violations of third-party motor insurance regulations.
In a ruling delivered on Friday by Justice Hauwa Joseph Yilwa, the court held that while both agencies have the authority to enforce compliance with compulsory insurance laws, they lack the legal power to impose fines without recourse to the courts.
The judgment followed a suit filed by human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju, who challenged what he described as unlawful enforcement practices by the authorities.
According to court findings, the police and the FRSC may stop motorists to verify valid insurance documents but cannot act as both enforcers and adjudicators by issuing penalties on the spot.
The court subsequently issued a perpetual injunction restraining the Inspector-General of Police and the FRSC from continuing the practice of fining motorists administratively over insurance-related offences.
Reacting to the ruling, Adeyanju described the decision as a victory for the rule of law, noting that it would curb arbitrary levies and alleged extortion on Nigerian roads.
Legal experts say the judgment reinforces the principle that penalties for such offences must be determined through due judicial process, rather than imposed by enforcement agencies during routine operations.
The development comes amid ongoing enforcement of compulsory third-party motor insurance, which Nigerian authorities began strengthening in 2025 to ensure that all vehicles on public roads are adequately insured.
With the ruling, motorists are expected to remain compliant with insurance laws, while enforcement agencies are now required to follow proper legal procedures in addressing violations.
