A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order restraining the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) from imposing fines on motorists for breaches of the Third Party Motor Vehicle Insurance Act without a valid court order .
Justice Hauwa Joseph Yilwa, in a judgment delivered on Friday, April 24, 2026, held that while both agencies have the power to enforce compliance with third-party motor insurance laws, they lack the legal authority to impose fines or penalties on alleged offenders .
The ruling followed a suit filed by activist-lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/291/2025, against the Inspector-General of Police, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the FRSC .
Police Objection Dismissed
Before delivering judgment, the court dismissed a Notice of Preliminary Objection brought by the police seeking to halt the proceedings. The police had argued that the court lacked jurisdiction and claimed they were not properly served with court processes .
However, Justice Yilwa rejected the objection, noting that records before the court clearly showed the police were served on multiple dates, including April 3, May 21, November 14 and 17, January 28, and April 21. The judge described the objection as an “attempt to arrest this judgment” .
What the Judgment Means
Justice Yilwa affirmed that while the police and FRSC may stop, search, and verify compliance with third-party insurance requirements, any imposition of fines or penalties on defaulting motorists must be backed by a court order .
Reacting to the judgment, Adeyanju expressed satisfaction, saying the ruling would curb extortion by enforcement agencies and restore confidence among motorists .
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