Governance
FRSC Moves to Strengthen Traffic Law Enforcement Through Mobile Courts
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has called for stronger collaboration with the Judiciary to enhance the prosecution of traffic offences, ensure speedy justice and improve compliance with traffic rules and regulations across the country.
The FRSC Corps Marshal, Mallam Shehu Mohammed, made the call in Abuja at a capacity-building workshop on the role of Mobile Courts and the Judiciary in FRSC traffic law enforcement.
He said effective traffic law enforcement required professional enforcement, timely and impartial adjudication, and respect for the fundamental rights of accused persons.
Mohammed noted that while the FRSC undertook enforcement and prosecution within its statutory mandate, the Judiciary played a critical role in ensuring the fair adjudication of traffic offences in accordance with the law.
According to him, Mobile Courts facilitate the speedy determination of traffic offences, deter dangerous driving and promote compliance with traffic regulations.
He, however, cautioned that the quest for speedy justice must not result in injustice, stressing that all enforcement actions must be lawful and evidence-based, while every accused person must be given a fair hearing.
The Corps Marshal said the workshop was designed to strengthen the professional competence of FRSC personnel and improve the effectiveness of traffic law enforcement through enhanced institutional cooperation.
He identified offence documentation, evidence management, prosecution procedures and effective engagement with the courts as critical areas requiring improved capacity among personnel.
Mohammed emphasised that enforcement activities must be complemented by sustained public enlightenment to encourage motorists to observe speed limits, use seat belts, obey traffic signs and comply with other road safety regulations.
He reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Judiciary, adding that effective collaboration between both institutions remained important to achieving safer roads.
In his remarks, the Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Justice Husseini Yusuf, commended the Corps for organising the workshop.
Yusuf described the workshop as an important platform for improving the knowledge and professional capacity of judicial officers and road safety personnel.
The Chief Judge said the programme had multiple benefits, including fostering interaction among participants, promoting a better understanding of the challenges confronting the FRSC and enhancing knowledge of the laws governing road traffic regulations.
Delivering a lecture titled “The Trial of Simple Traffic Offences in Road Safety Mobile Courts in Nigeria: Law, Procedure and Practice,” the Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court, Mr Yahaya Shafa, urged magistrates to maintain dignity.
He said this included demonstrating patience and courtesy, regardless of the location or circumstances of Mobile Court proceedings.
Represented by the Director of Magistrates, High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Registrar advised judicial officers to treat defendants, lawyers, prosecutors, enforcement officers, witnesses and members of the public with respect.
He urged them to avoid insults, intimidation, humiliation, shouting and sarcastic remarks.
He also called on magistrates to exercise patience when defendants had difficulty understanding proceedings and ensure that court staff and enforcement officers treated all persons appearing before the court respectfully.
The highlight of the event was the investiture of the Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory, Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf, as an Honorary Special Marshal of the FRSC.