A High Court sitting in Abuja has sentenced a driver, Yusuf Baba, to three months imprisonment or an option of ₦50,000 fine for reckless driving that resulted in the destruction of vehicles belonging to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
The court also ordered the driver to pay ₦3,190,000 as compensation for the damages caused during the incident, which occurred on June 10, 2025, under the Dantata Bridge in Abuja.
According to court records, Baba was stopped by FRSC operatives who noticed his vehicle was overloaded. Instead of complying, he reportedly sped off recklessly to evade arrest, lost control, and rammed into an FRSC patrol vehicle before fleeing the scene.
He was later apprehended along CITEC Road and charged with reckless driving and attempted assault on law enforcement officers.
At the conclusion of the trial, the court found him guilty of reckless driving but cleared him of the assault charge due to insufficient evidence.
Justice of the court ruled that Baba be banned from driving for three months and should pay the full cost of repairs for the damaged FRSC vehicles.
The judgment is seen as part of ongoing efforts to curb reckless driving and attacks on law enforcement officers performing their duties.
The presiding judge noted that Baba’s actions endangered the lives of the FRSC personnel and other road users, describing his conduct as “a clear disregard for road safety laws and lawful authority.”
The court stressed that public officers enforcing traffic rules must be respected, and warned motorists against trying to evade arrest through dangerous driving.
Reacting to the judgment, the FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, commended the decision, saying it would serve as a deterrent to other drivers who disregard traffic regulations.
“The judgment is a warning to reckless drivers who think they can violate traffic laws and go unpunished,” Mohammed said. “The Corps will continue to ensure that traffic offenders are prosecuted according to the law.”
He reiterated the FRSC’s commitment to maintaining road discipline and ensuring the safety of road users across the country.
Mohammed also advised drivers to cooperate with traffic officers and obey lawful instructions to avoid unnecessary confrontations and penalties.
In recent years, there have been several reports of motorists attacking or attempting to evade FRSC officials during enforcement operations. The Corps has repeatedly warned that such actions not only endanger officers but also constitute serious criminal offences under Nigerian traffic laws.
The FRSC has also intensified its “Safe-to-Drive” campaign across major highways, encouraging drivers to respect speed limits, avoid overloading, and maintain roadworthy vehicles.
With the Abuja court’s ruling, authorities hope the stiff penalty will discourage similar incidents and promote greater compliance with road safety regulations.
“We are committed to ensuring that Nigerian roads remain safe for all,” the Corps Marshal said. “Those who choose to break the law will face the full consequences of their actions.”
