By Peter Uwumarogie
Gombe, Dec. 20, 2025 – In a decisive move to curb road traffic violations during the busy festive season, a Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) mobile court in Gombe State has convicted 20 motorists. The exercise, conducted on Friday, underscores a critical, proactive strategy in road safety management: bringing swift legal consequences directly to the point of violation.
Mr. Samson Kaura, the FRSC Sector Commander for Gombe State, disclosed the details in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday. He emphasized that the mobile court initiative is a core component of the Corps’s “End-of-Year Special Patrol,” aimed at enforcing compliance and drastically reducing road crashes during the period of heightened travel.
Beyond the Numbers: The Nature of the Offenses
Commander Kaura revealed that the 20 convicted motorists were found guilty of a total of 31 distinct offenses. This breakdown is more telling than the conviction count alone, highlighting the pervasive risks on the roads:
- Overloading: Compromises vehicle stability and braking efficiency.
- Speeding: A primary cause of fatal crashes, especially on highways.
- Faulty Tyres: A major factor in blow-outs and loss of control.
- Seatbelt Violations: A simple yet chronically ignored life-saving device.
This list represents a snapshot of the most common—and most dangerous—behaviors that mobile courts are designed to address immediately.
The Strategic Role of Mobile Courts
The use of mobile courts is a significant escalation from standard ticketing. It bypasses the lengthy, often-avoided traditional judicial process for traffic offenses. By adjudicating cases on the spot, it serves two vital functions:
- Instant Deterrence: It creates immediate, tangible consequences for offenders, reinforcing the seriousness of traffic laws.
- Judicial Efficiency: It clears case backlogs and ensures penalties are applied while the offense is fresh, strengthening the link between violation and punishment.
Kaura confirmed that these courts will continue throughout the festive patrol to protect all road users.
A Plea for Responsibility and Professionalism
Aligning with the 2025 End-of-Year Patrol theme, “Take Responsibility For Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving,” Commander Kaura issued a stark reminder to drivers. “The money you want to make can only be spent when you are alive,” he stated, urging against the reckless haste often seen during the holidays.
He also addressed his own personnel, tasking them with professionalism and warning that the FRSC “would not condone violation of the rights of the motorists.” This dual message—holding both the public and law enforcement accountable—is crucial for maintaining public trust and the legitimacy of such enforcement drives.
Conclusion: A Broader Lesson in Road Safety
The conviction of 20 offenders in Gombe is not just a local news item; it is a case study in active road safety enforcement. It demonstrates that beyond public awareness campaigns, the consistent and visible application of legal sanctions is a necessary tool for behavioral change. For motorists, the takeaway is clear: adherence to traffic regulations is non-negotiable for personal and collective safety, not just during the yuletide but all year round.
Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali
