A Federal High Court in Kano has barred the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) from carrying out enforcement duties on state and local government roads in Kano State.
The court also ruled that the agency has no legal authority to operate on township roads within Kano metropolis, describing such activities as a violation of the rights of residents.
The judgment was delivered on Thursday by Justice M.S. Shuaibu in a case filed by Kano-based lawyer Abba Hikima.
The suit followed an incident in July 2025 when FRSC officials set up checkpoints on township roads and stopped motorists for routine checks.
The court held that the FRSC exceeded the powers given to it by law by stopping, questioning and delaying motorists on roads that are outside its legal jurisdiction.
According to the ruling, those actions went against the constitutional rights of citizens, including their rights to personal liberty and freedom of movement as provided in the 1999 Constitution.
Justice Shuaibu granted all the requests made by the applicant.
He issued a permanent order preventing FRSC personnel from stopping, intimidating or harassing motorists on Kano State roads without legal backing.
The court also directed the FRSC to publish a public apology in a national newspaper.
In addition, the agency was ordered to pay Abba Hikima the sum of ₦800,000 as damages and the cost of the legal action.
The case began after Hikima challenged the conduct of FRSC officers who allegedly stopped him and other drivers on township roads, demanded to see their driver’s licences and questioned them even though no traffic offence had been committed.
Hikima argued before the court that the FRSC’s legal responsibilities are limited to federal highways and do not cover roads managed by state or local governments.
He maintained that the agency’s actions amounted to an unlawful breach of his fundamental rights.
After reviewing the case, the court agreed with his position and ruled that the FRSC cannot continue enforcement activities on state, local government and township roads in Kano without lawful authority.
