By Joe Udo
OWERRI (CONVERSEER) – The Court of Appeal sitting in Owerri, Imo State, has upheld a judgment awarding ₦10 million in damages to Dr Emmanuel Ugochukwu Shebbs against the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) for the unlawful harassment and seizure of his vehicle documents during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020.
The appellate court, in a unanimous decision delivered by a three-member panel led by Hon. Justice Amina Audi Wambai, affirmed the earlier ruling of the High Court, which found that the actions of FRSC officers along Bende Road in Umuahia, Abia State, violated Dr Shebbs’ fundamental human rights.
The incident, which occurred on a government-sanctioned movement day during the nationwide lockdown, began when Dr Shebbs was stopped by FRSC officers despite complying with all vehicular checks. He was initially cleared but was allegedly harassed when the officers demanded a bribe under the guise of a “tip.”
When he declined, citing he had no cash on him, the officers reportedly subjected him to another round of inspection and fabricated new allegations, including claims of worn-out tyres and the absence of a spare tyre. His driver’s licence was confiscated, and an arbitrary fine of ₦3,000 was imposed.
Speaking after the ruling, Dr Shebbs stated, “I could have paid the fine, flashed my ID, or made a few calls — I had options. But I remembered the thousands of young Nigerians who don’t have the privilege of connections, and I knew I had to fight.”
Rather than yield to intimidation, Dr Shebbs approached the High Court to seek redress and enforce his rights. The High Court initially awarded ₦30 million in damages, which was later reviewed and affirmed at ₦10 million by the Appeal Court.
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In its judgment, the Court of Appeal declared that FRSC officers acted illegally and abusively, ruling that the arbitrary seizure of a citizen’s driver’s licence, vehicle, or documents without due legal process is unconstitutional. The court held that such actions, particularly when not backed by valid charges or court orders, amount to a gross violation of citizens’ rights.
“This judgment sets a solid precedent,” Dr Shebbs said after the verdict. “It is not about the money. It is about challenging the normalization of abuse by agencies meant to protect us.”
Legal analysts have described the ruling as a landmark victory in the defence of civil liberties, particularly in cases involving routine abuse by law enforcement agents under the guise of regulation and public safety.
The FRSC has yet to issue an official response to the judgment as of the time of filing this report.
