Court Restrains FRSC from Operating on State, Local Government Roads in Kano

By Ene Rebecca

July 17, 2026

A Federal High Court sitting in Kano has ruled that the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) lacks the legal authority to enforce traffic regulations on roads under the control of state and local governments, restricting its operations to areas where it has statutory jurisdiction.

In a judgment delivered on Thursday, Justice M. S. Shuaibu held that the commission acted outside its powers when its personnel stopped, questioned and delayed motorists on township roads within Kano metropolis in July 2025. The court declared the actions unlawful and a violation of the affected motorists’ constitutional rights.

The case was brought by Kano-based lawyer, Abba Hikima, who challenged the activities of FRSC officers after he and other motorists were allegedly stopped and interrogated on roads within the state despite not committing any traffic offences. Hikima argued that the FRSC Establishment Act empowers the agency to operate on federal highways and does not extend its authority to state or local government roads.

Justice Shuaibu ruled that the actions of the FRSC infringed on the rights to personal liberty and freedom of movement guaranteed under Sections 35 and 41 of the 1999 Constitution. The court consequently granted a perpetual injunction restraining the commission, its officers and agents from stopping, harassing, interrogating or delaying motorists on Kano State roads without lawful authority.

The court also ordered the FRSC to publish a public apology in a national newspaper and awarded the applicant ₦800,000 as damages and litigation costs.

Reacting to the judgment, Hikima described the ruling as a victory for the rule of law and pledged to ensure compliance with the court’s orders.

“Take it from me, this time it’s not going to be business as usual. We will not allow the FRSC to rest until this judgment is obeyed,” the lawyer said.

The ruling is expected to spark further debate over the scope of the FRSC’s enforcement powers and the jurisdiction of federal agencies on roads managed by state and local authorities.