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Kano Lawyer Drags FRSC to Court Over Alleged Unlawful Operations on State Roads

A Kano-based human rights lawyer, Abba Hikima, has instituted a public interest lawsuit against the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), challenging the legality of their operations on state and local government roads within Kano metropolis.

Filed at the Federal High Court, Kano Judicial Division, under Suit No: FHC/KN/CS/286/2025, the case seeks to enforce fundamental human rights allegedly violated by the actions of the FRSC and its Sector Commandant in Kano, Mohammed Bara’u Bature.

Hikima, in the originating motion, argues that the continued operations of the FRSC on non-federal roads — including routine stops, questioning, delay, harassment, and demand for driver’s licenses — infringe on the personal liberty and freedom of movement of citizens. He contends that these actions are not backed by any constitutional or statutory authority, particularly following judicial pronouncements that limit FRSC operations to federal roads.

In his words, “I have instituted a public interest lawsuit against the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) for their continued unlawful presence on state roads in violation of the personal liberties of Nigerians.”

The motion was brought pursuant to Sections 34, 35, 41, and 46(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), and Articles 5 and 12 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act. Hikima is seeking two main declarations:

1. That the FRSC's actions on non-federal roads in Kano on the 1st and 2nd of July 2025 — including stopping, delaying, and interrogating motorists — without lawful authority, violate the Applicant’s fundamental rights as guaranteed by the Constitution.

2. That in the absence of any enabling law allowing FRSC to operate on non-federal roads, their conduct amounts to unlawful interference with citizens' rights and freedom of movement.

This suit reignites the ongoing national debate over the limits of FRSC authority and their frequent presence on roads constitutionally outside their purview. The outcome could have significant implications for road safety enforcement across Nigeria’s sub-national territories.

The matter is expected to be heard soon, with the applicant seeking urgent judicial intervention to halt what he describes as systemic abuse of power by the road safety agency.

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