FRSC Clarifies Court Judgment, Affirms Statutory Powers on Federal Highways in Kano

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kano Sector Command, has dismissed claims circulating on social media that a recent judgment of the Federal High Court in Kano had stripped the corps of its statutory powers to operate on federal highways in the state.

The command, in a statement issued on Saturday by its Sector Public Education Officer, CRC Abdullahi Aliyu Labaran, said the clarification became necessary following publications and commentaries by a legal practitioner, Barrister Abba Hikima, on the court’s decision in a suit involving the corps.

According to the statement, the FRSC remains a law-abiding institution that holds the judiciary in high esteem and is committed to upholding the rule of law. It, however, stated that contrary to public impressions, the judgment did not abolish the statutory powers of the corps or prevent it from carrying out its lawful responsibilities on federal highways in Kano State.

The command explained that the FRSC derives its powers from the FRSC (Establishment) Act, 2007, which mandates it to enforce traffic regulations, prevent road crashes, rescue crash victims and ensure the safety of road users on federal roads across the country. It listed major federal roads under its operational jurisdiction in Kano to include the Kano–Zaria, Kano–Katsina, Kano–Maiduguri, Kano–Hadejia, Kano–Gumel and Kano Western Bypass, among others.

The statement expressed concern over social media posts allegedly encouraging motorists to confront or disregard FRSC patrol teams while performing their lawful duties. It warned that such actions were capable of inciting resistance to lawful authority, undermining public order and endangering the safety of road users as well as law enforcement personnel.

The command further disclosed that it had identified procedural issues relating to the court proceedings, alleging that processes intended to present its defence were not considered before the judgment was delivered. It added that the corps had commenced legal steps to challenge the judgment through the appellate process.

The FRSC assured members of the public that, pending the determination of the appeal, it would continue to discharge its statutory responsibilities professionally and with due respect for the rights of road users on federal highways in Kano State.

It urged the public to remain law-abiding, cooperate with duly identified FRSC personnel in the discharge of their lawful duties and disregard what it described as misleading interpretations of the judgment circulating on social media.

The corps reaffirmed its commitment to promoting road safety, saving lives and ensuring responsible road use in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.