The Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has dismissed a ₦506.5 million fundamental rights enforcement suit filed against the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), ruling that the applicant failed to prove allegations of rights violations against the agency and its personnel.
The suit, marked FHC/PH/FHR/304/2023, was filed by Mr. Olamide Peter Ojo against the Rivers State Sector Commander and four other respondents.
In its judgment, the court held that the applicant did not present credible evidence to support claims that his fundamental rights had been breached and consequently dismissed the case for lack of merit.
According to the FRSC, the dispute arose on June 20, 2023, when Ojo visited the Drivers Licence Centre along Aba Road, Port Harcourt, for biometric capture as part of his driver’s licence application.
The Corps alleged that the applicant obstructed access to the centre’s main office by blocking a passageway and became aggressive after he was asked to move. It further claimed that he assaulted a staff member, causing injuries, and tore another official’s uniform without provocation.
Also see: Obagi-HCDT Commissions Modern Health Centre to Boost Primary Healthcare
The FRSC said that after it indicated its intention to report the incident to the police for investigation and possible prosecution, the applicant approached the court, alleging that officials of the agency assaulted, manhandled and tortured him.
In response, the respondents filed a joint counter-affidavit denying the allegations and maintaining that their actions were lawful and in line with established procedures.
The court found that the evidence before it showed that the applicant assaulted FRSC personnel without provocation and also considered the impact of his alleged obstruction of the office, which disrupted official activities.
The applicant had sought ₦506.5 million in damages against the FRSC and the other respondents. However, after reviewing the evidence and submissions from both parties, the court dismissed all the claims.
Reacting to the judgment, the Rivers State Sector Commander, CC Francis Ajatta, reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to professionalism, fairness, respect for human rights and the safety of road users. He also warned against attempts to obstruct lawful enforcement operations or make false allegations against officers carrying out their duties.
