Dr. Emmanuel Shebbs, a lecturer at Abia State University, Uturu, has accused the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) of fabricating lies, abusing its powers, and defaming his character in a legal battle that has now been resolved in his favour by both the Abia State High Court and the Court of Appeal.
Reacting to a recent FRSC press statement in which the agency denied any wrongdoing regarding the seizure of his driver’s license, Dr. Shebbs described their claims as “false, misleading, and defamatory.”
“I was shocked by the FRSC’s press release. They falsely claimed their officers never demanded a bribe from me, and that I was charged in a Magistrate Court — a complete fabrication,” he said.
Dr. Shebbs alleged that his ordeal began when he refused to offer a bribe to FRSC officials. In retaliation, they accused him of a traffic offence and unlawfully confiscated his driver’s license — an action later declared illegal and unconstitutional by the courts.
He further alleged that the FRSC committed perjury during the legal proceedings by falsely claiming he had been charged and declared wanted by a Magistrate Court in Umuahia — a claim he said was disproven during the trial.
“When I visited the Magistrate Court, I found there was no record of any charge against me. The trial judge, Justice I.A. Nwabughogu, condemned the FRSC for lying under oath, describing it as an act of impunity by public officers in uniform.”
Dr. Shebbs also faulted the FRSC for branding him a “gold digger” in its official press statement — a term not used in the court’s judgment.
“That defamatory label didn’t come from the court, but from the FRSC. It’s part of a smear campaign to discredit me for standing up for my rights.”
He has issued a pre-litigation notice to the Commission and its officials, demanding a formal retraction or face legal consequences.
Dr. Shebbs emphasized that his case represents a broader fight against institutional injustice and harassment, particularly against ordinary Nigerians.
“This isn’t just about me. It’s about every Nigerian — especially the youth — who face daily intimidation by those in uniform. It’s about a broken system that protects the powerful while preying on the vulnerable.”
He praised the judiciary for upholding justice and called on the FRSC to implement genuine reforms.
“The FRSC must realise it is accountable not only to the courts and the Constitution but to the Nigerian people,” he said, while also expressing gratitude to citizens who supported him during the legal battle.
Dr. Shebbs reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for systemic reform and the protection of citizens’ rights.
