The Court of Appeal has upheld a High Court judgment awarding ₦10 million in damages to Dr. Emmanuel Shebbs against the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) over unlawful harassment and document seizure during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown.

The incident occurred in Umuahia, Abia State, when FRSC officers allegedly demanded a bribe and fabricated offences after Dr. Shebbs refused. His driver’s licence was seized, and a ₦3,000 fine imposed arbitrarily.

The court ruled that the FRSC acted outside its legal bounds, affirming that only a court can authorize such seizures. Dr. Shebbs hailed the ruling as a win for citizens\' rights and a precedent against institutional abuse.