Motorists Get Relief as Court Rules Against On-the-Spot Insurance Fines

The Federal High Court in Abuja has barred the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) from imposing fines on motorists for violating the Third Party Motor Vehicle Insurance Act without a court order.

Justice Hauwa Yilwa delivered the ruling in a suit filed by activist-lawyer Deji Adeyanju against the Inspector-General of Police, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the FRSC.
The court held that although the police and FRSC have statutory authority to enforce compliance with motor vehicle insurance laws, they do not have the power to impose fines or penalties independently. Justice Yilwa emphasized that only a court of law can validly sanction motorists who violate the law, stressing that due process must be followed.
Justice Yilwa also dismissed a Notice of Preliminary Objection filed by the police, which sought to stop the judgment. Counsel to the police, Victor Okoye, had challenged the court’s jurisdiction on the grounds of improper service. However, the court ruled that the police had been properly served multiple times and described the objection as a tactic to delay proceedings.
The court subsequently dismissed both the preliminary objection and a joinder application before proceeding to deliver judgment.
The ruling clearly defines the limits of law enforcement authority: while the police and FRSC can monitor and ensure compliance, only the judiciary has the power to impose penalties.