ABUJA, NIGERIA
In what appear to be a landmark ruling reinforcing the authority of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and affirming its zero-tolerance stance against reckless driving, the High Court in Abuja has convicted a driver for Dangerous Driving, sentencing him to a three-month prison term or a fine, and mandating a massive restitution payment for damages.
The convicted individual, Mr. Yusuf Baba, was ordered to pay ₦3,190,000 (over ₦3 million) for the extensive damage he caused to an FRSC patrol vehicle and other impounded cars during his “brazen attempt to evade arrest.”
The incident, which took place on June 10, 2025, near Dantata Bridge, Abuja, began when FRSC operatives flagged down Mr. Baba for the offense of overloading during a Mobile Court session. Instead of complying with the order, Baba dangerously sped off, lost control, and crashed into the FRSC patrol vehicle and another offender’s car before fleeing the scene. He was later apprehended and charged with Dangerous Driving and Assaulting a Marshal on Duty.
Delivering the judgment on October 29, 2025, the court found Mr. Baba guilty of Dangerous Driving, sentencing him to three (3) months imprisonment or a fine of ₦50,000. While he was discharged on the count of Assaulting a Marshal on Duty, the court also suspended his driver’s licence for three months and ordered the full restitution of ₦3,190,000 for the vehicles damaged due to his reckless conduct.
Reacting to the verdict, the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, lauded the Judiciary and the Corps’ Legal Department, describing the judgment as “a resounding victory for road safety, law enforcement, and the principle of accountability on Nigerian roads.”
The Corps Marshal asserted: “This judgment has once again proven that the era of impunity on our roads is over. Anyone who endangers lives, attacks law enforcement, or damages public property will face the full wrath of the law. FRSC will never back down in defending the safety and dignity of its operatives and road users.”
The FRSC concluded by reiterating its strong call on all motorists to strictly adhere to traffic rules, respect patrol operatives, and drive responsibly, promising to remain “relentless in its mission to safeguard lives and restore sanity on Nigerian roads.”
