Femi Ashekun/
In a detailed judgment, Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court in Lagos restrained the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) from penalising drivers with faded number plates.
The ruling followed a suit, marked FHC/L/CS/253/2024, filed by Chinwike Chamberlain Ezebube, who argued that FRSC, being solely responsible for designing and producing number plates, should bear liability for their quality and durability.
The plaintiff’s lawyer, U.G. Nwokedi, raised several questions, including whether FRSC could hold citizens accountable for faded plates caused by poor manufacturing.
Justice Aluko agreed, ruling that FRSC cannot criminalise such cases or impose fines without a court order.
The court ordered FRSC to replace faded plates upon drivers’ request and payment of requisite fees.
Justice Aluko emphasised that drivers could not be penalised or have their vehicles impounded for faded plates.
FRSC’s counterargument was dismissed, with the court granting reliefs to the plaintiff.
This ruling sets a precedent, protecting motorists from undue sanctions linked to manufacturing defects.
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