From JOHN FWAH, Kaduna
The Kaduna State High Court has declared the forceful removal, seizure and detention of vehicle number plates by officers and men of the Kaduna State Traffic Law Enforcement Authority (KASTLEA) as illegal, wrongful and unconstitutional.
Delivering judgment in the case of Ehizogie Fidelis Imadojemu (Barrister at Law) vs. KASTLEA & 2 Ors (Suit No. KDH/KAD/1198/2025), Honourable Justice Murtala J. Zubairu ruled that the action of KASTLEA officials violated the rights of motorists and road users in Kaduna State.
The court further declared that the removal or confiscation of number plates from motor vehicles, motorcycles, tricycles or any other road users in the state as a means of enforcing traffic laws had no legal backing under the Kaduna State Traffic Laws Enforcement Authority Law No. 17 of 2017.
Justice Zubairu stated, “From today, it will amount to contempt of court for officers and men of KASTLEA to remove number plates to enforce traffic laws and regulations in Kaduna State.”
The ruling effectively restrains KASTLEA from using the removal of number plates as an enforcement mechanism, affirming that such practices are unconstitutional and contrary to the provisions of the law.