FRSC, judiciary move to strengthen traffic offence prosecution

By Ibironke Ariyo

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has called for stronger collaboration with the Judiciary to improve prosecution of traffic offenders, ensure speedy justice and enhance compliance with road safety regulations in Nigeria.

The Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, made the call on Wednesday in Abuja at a capacity-building workshop on the role of Mobile Courts and the Judiciary in FRSC traffic law enforcement.

Mohammed said effective traffic law enforcement required professional enforcement, timely and impartial adjudication, and respect for the fundamental rights of accused persons.

He 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 also identified personnel training, logistical support, witness attendance and the management of electronic evidence as challenges that must be addressed to improve prosecution outcomes and public confidence in the traffic law enforcement process.

He urged participants to apply the knowledge acquired at the workshop to their professional duties, noting that improved enforcement practices would contribute to better compliance with traffic regulations.

The corps marshal 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  Baba-Yusuf commended the Corps for organising the workshop.

Baba-Yusuf described it 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 regulation.

He explained that judicial officers who understood the operational realities of the corps would be better positioned to consider traffic cases within the appropriate legal framework.

He further said that he had special regard for the FRSC, describing it as one of the law enforcement agencies he held in high esteem because of its commitment to enforcing traffic laws.

Delivering a lecture on the “Trial of Simple Traffic Offences in Road Safety Mobile Courts in Nigeria: Law, Procedure and Practice”, the Chief Registrar, Federal High Court (FHC), Mr Yahaya Shafa, urged magistrates to maintain dignity.

This, he said, included patience and courtesy, regardless of the location or circumstances of mobile court proceedings.

He advised judicial officers to treat defendants, lawyers, prosecutors, enforcement officers, witnesses and members of the public with respect and 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 treat all persons appearing before the court respectfully.

The highlight of the event was the investiture of the Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Justice Baba-Yusuf, as an Honorary Special Marshal of the FRSC.(NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza