- Deji Adeyanju says a court has ruled that Police and FRSC cannot impose direct fines on motorists over vehicle insurance.
- The decision may change how enforcement is carried out, though insurance compliance remains mandatory.
Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has announced a legal victory against the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Road Safety Corps, following a court ruling on the enforcement of vehicle insurance fines in Nigeria.
Speaking after the judgment, Adeyanju explained that the case was filed to challenge what he described as unlawful penalties imposed on motorists over third-party insurance.
“The reason we came to court was because we wanted the court to make a clear declaration that the Police and FRSC do not have the right to impose fines on any Nigerian over vehicle insurance, and we have succeeded,” he said.
According to him, the ruling clarifies that the agencies lack the authority to directly impose fines on citizens for issues relating to vehicle insurance compliance, a development that could significantly impact how such cases are handled going forward.
The judgment is expected to generate widespread reactions among motorists and stakeholders in the transport sector, many of whom have previously raised concerns over alleged arbitrary fines during enforcement operations.
However, legal experts note that while the ruling addresses the issue of direct fines by enforcement agencies, motorists are still required under Nigerian law to maintain valid third-party insurance, with penalties typically enforceable through proper legal channels.
