FRSC, Judiciary Strengthen Partnership To Ensure Speedy Prosecution Of Traffic Offenders
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has called for stronger collaboration with the judiciary to enhance the prosecution of traffic offenders, accelerate the administration of justice and improve compliance with road safety regulations across Nigeria.
The Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, made the call on Wednesday in Abuja during 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 conduct by enforcement officers, timely and impartial adjudication of cases, and respect for the fundamental rights of accused persons.
He explained that while the FRSC was responsible for enforcement and prosecution within its statutory mandate, the judiciary played a crucial role in ensuring that traffic offences were adjudicated fairly and in accordance with the law.
According to him, mobile courts have become important tools for the speedy resolution of traffic offences, deterring dangerous driving and promoting adherence to traffic regulations.
However, he cautioned that the need for swift justice must not undermine fairness, stressing that all enforcement actions must be lawful and supported by evidence, while defendants must be given a fair hearing.
The Corps Marshal said the workshop was organised to strengthen the professional competence of FRSC personnel and improve traffic law enforcement through closer institutional cooperation.
He identified proper documentation of offences, evidence management, prosecution procedures and effective engagement with the courts as critical areas requiring improved capacity among personnel.
Mohammed also highlighted challenges affecting successful prosecution, including inadequate training, logistical constraints, the availability of witnesses and the management of electronic evidence.
He noted that addressing these challenges would improve prosecution outcomes and strengthen public confidence in the traffic law enforcement process.
The FRSC chief urged participants to apply the knowledge acquired during the workshop to their duties, adding that improved enforcement practices would encourage greater compliance with traffic regulations.
He further emphasised the importance of sustained public enlightenment, urging motorists to observe speed limits, use seat belts, obey traffic signs and comply with other road safety regulations.
Mohammed reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to strengthening its partnership with the judiciary, describing effective collaboration between both institutions as essential to achieving safer roads nationwide.
In his remarks, the Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory, Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf, commended the FRSC for organising the workshop, describing it as an important platform for enhancing the professional knowledge and capacity of judicial officers and road safety personnel.
Baba-Yusuf said the programme would promote interaction among participants, deepen understanding of the operational challenges confronting the FRSC and improve knowledge of the laws governing road traffic regulation.
He added that judicial officers with a better understanding of the Corps’ operational realities would be better equipped to handle traffic cases within the appropriate legal framework.
The Chief Judge also expressed high regard for the FRSC, praising its commitment to enforcing traffic laws.
Similarly, the Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court, Mr Yahaya Shafa, urged magistrates handling simple traffic offences in road safety mobile courts to uphold the dignity of the judiciary through patience, courtesy and professionalism.
Speaking on the trial of simple traffic offences in Nigeria’s road safety mobile courts, Shafa advised judicial officers to treat defendants, lawyers, prosecutors, enforcement officers, witnesses and members of the public with respect, irrespective of the circumstances of proceedings.
He warned against the use of insults, intimidation, humiliation, shouting and sarcastic remarks, urging magistrates to exercise patience when defendants encounter difficulties understanding court proceedings.
Shafa also stressed the need for court staff and enforcement officers to treat everyone appearing before the courts with dignity and respect.
The highlight of the workshop was the investiture of Baba-Yusuf as an Honorary Special Marshal of the FRSC, in recognition of the partnership between the road safety agency and the judiciary.
