FRSC lists roads it still controls despite court restriction in Kano
The Kano Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has announced its intention to appeal a Federal High Court judgment that bars its personnel from operating on state and local government roads.
The ruling, delivered by Justice M. S. Shuaibu, strictly restricts the corps’ jurisdiction to federal highways within Kano State.
The judgment follows a lawsuit filed by Kano-based lawyer, Abba Hikima who approached the court after FRSC operatives set up checkpoints on township roads in Kano back in July 2025, stopping motorists allegedly without any prior traffic offenses.
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In his ruling, Justice Shuaibu held that the FRSC acted outside its statutory powers by operating on state roads. He declared that such actions violated citizens’ constitutional rights to personal liberty and freedom of movement, as guaranteed under Sections 35 and 41 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
As a result, the court granted all reliefs sought by the applicant, which include a perpetual injunction restraining the FRSC from operating on state and local government roads in Kano, ann order directing the corps to publish a public apology in a national newspaper and an award of ₦800,000 in damages and costs against the FRSC.
FRSC reacts on jurisdiction
Reacting to the judgment, the FRSC—through Chief Route Commander Abdullahi Aliyu Labaran, the Public Education Officer for the Sector Commander—stated that while the command respects the judiciary, the ruling is being misinterpreted by the public.
The corps emphasized that the judgment does not invalidate its statutory powers under the FRSC Establishment Act of 2007, but merely defines its geographical boundaries in Kano.
According to the command, the FRSC retains full jurisdiction over major federal routes in the state, includingKano–Zaria Road, Kano–Katsina Road, Kano–Maiduguri Road, Kano Western Bypass, Airport Road and Murtala Mohammed Way.
The command raised concerns over escalating social media posts urging motorists to resist FRSC patrol operatives. It warned that such narratives could incite violent confrontations, disrupt public order, and endanger lives.
Arguing that its defense was not adequately considered during the court proceedings, the FRSC confirmed it is heading to the Court of Appeal to contest the judgment.
Pending the outcome of the appeal, the command assured residents that it will continue to discharge its duties professionally and lawfully on all designated federal roads, urging motorists to remain law-abiding and ignore misleading online interpretations of the court’s decision.
