The Federal High Court sitting 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 that his rights were violated by personnel of the Rivers State Sector Command.

 

In its judgment in Suit No. FHC/PH/FHR/304/2023, the court dismissed all claims brought by Mr. Olamide Peter Ojo against the Rivers State Sector Commander and four other respondents, holding that the application lacked merit.

 

The suit stemmed from an incident that occurred on June 20, 2023, at the FRSC Drivers’ Licence Centre along Aba Road, Port Harcourt, where Ojo had gone for biometric capture as part of his driver’s licence application process.

 

According to the FRSC, the applicant obstructed the entrance leading to the centre’s main office by positioning himself in a manner that prevented access to the facility.

 

The Corps said that after officials directed him to vacate the passageway, he allegedly became aggressive, assaulted a member of staff, inflicted injuries on the officer and tore another official’s uniform without provocation.

 

The Corps further alleged that upon learning that the incident would be reported to the police for investigation and possible prosecution, Ojo approached the Federal High Court, claiming that FRSC personnel assaulted, manhandled and tortured him, thereby violating his fundamental rights.

 

However, the respondents denied the allegations in a joint counter-affidavit filed by the State Legal Officer, insisting that their personnel acted lawfully and professionally throughout the incident.

 

Delivering judgment, the court held that the applicant failed to establish any credible evidence to support his claims of assault or infringement of his constitutional rights.

 

The court found that evidence before it showed that the applicant assaulted FRSC personnel without lawful justification and also took into account the circumstances surrounding the obstruction of the office entrance, which disrupted official activities at the Drivers’ Licence Centre.

 

The court further accepted the respondents’ position that the actions of FRSC personnel were lawful, professionally conducted and guided by safety and security considerations.

 

Consequently, the court dismissed the applicant’s claim for ₦506,505,000 in damages against the FRSC and the other respondents.

 

Reacting to the judgment, the Rivers State Sector Command described the decision as a significant judicial endorsement of the Corps’ operational procedures and professionalism.

 

The Sector Commander, CC Francis Ajatta, said the judgment reinforces public confidence in the FRSC’s commitment to lawful enforcement, operational discipline and respect for human rights.

 

Ajatta reiterated that the Corps remains committed to fairness, professionalism and the protection of the rights of all road users while carrying out its statutory responsibilities.

 

He also warned against attempts to obstruct lawful enforcement operations or make false allegations against officers performing legitimate duties.