Justice James Tsoho of a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, yesterday declared that it is unconstitutional for the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) to impose new plate numbers on motorists.
The judge gave the verdict while delivering judgment in a suit filed by a....
lawyer, Emmanuel Ofoegbu, against the FRSC.
The plaintiff had filed the suit on September 30, 2013 through a human rights activist, Mr. Ogedi Ogu of ‘The Source’.
In the suit, Ofoegbu challenged the power of the FRSC to impound vehicles that failed to acquire the new numbers.
Among other prayers sought before the court by the plaintiff were declaration that the threat by the respondent to impound vehicles of motorists, who failed to acquire the new plate numbers, was invalid and unconstitutional.
Justice Tsoho in his judgment held that it was unlawful for the respondent to impose new plate numbers on motorists, saying there was no existing law permitting the same.
“The issue of redesigning new plate numbers by the respondent is not covered under the provisions of any law in Nigeria.
“The respondent cannot force Nigerians to acquire new plate numbers by impounding cars, without the backing of any legislation to that effect.
“I hold that the act of the respondent amounts to an arbitrary use of power, and is therefore illegal and unconstitutional.
“Judgment is therefore entered in favour of the plaintiff, and all the reliefs sought are hereby granted, I so hold,” Justice Tsoho said.
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