Lawyer sues FRSC officials for alleged extortion, unlawful seizure

For alleged extortion of N5,000 and unlawful seizure of his vehicle, a Yenagoa, Bayelsa State-based legal practitioner, Kingsley Ibe, has initiated a legal action against three officials of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) at the state High Court sitting in the capital.

Mentioned in the suit, YHC/78/2016, are the Sector Commander, the Operation Team Leader, Inspector J. Jedeile and N. Zaide.

In its statement of claims, the lawyer alleged that on June 4 this year while conveying consumable goods to his house at Banbridge area of the state, he was stopped by men of the FRSC and demanded for his vehicle’s particulars and told them that the papers were in his personal car which was being driven by an auto mechanic right behind.

“The applicant rushed to the personal car, an Honda, and picked up the bus particulars, but the third respondent claimed he delayed the FRSC officials and showed alleged disrespect.

“Thereafter the official demanded N5,000 which the applicant refused to pay while another sum of N2,000 was also demanded for allegedly driving without car particulars. “

“All entreaties to the officials failed as they seized the keys and tow away the vehicle without taking inventory of the content. The vehicle and the content are in the possession without lawful permission,” the statement read in part.

Ibe, in the Motion on Notice, ‎is seeking an order declaring the seizure of his Toyota Litace bus unlawful and compelling the FRSC to release the vehicle immediately.

Also sought is an order compelling the three respondents to pay the applicant a sum of N4 million as general damages as well tender an apology to the applicant.

Hearing in the case has been fixed for the 28th of this month.