Everyday on major roads and cities one officer stops you. Tomorrow another one stops you.
Next tomorrow, one new uniform you’ve never seen before appears and says:
“Show me your driver’s licence!”
Relax. Let me break it down for you
Not everybody wearing uniform has the power to check your driver’s licence. The law is clear. The powers are different. Let’s settle this matter once and for all.

FRSC (Federal Road Safety Corps)
These ones have full legal power to check:

Driver’s licence

Vehicle documents

Safety compliance

Number plates

Roadworthiness

Speed violations
They enforce federal traffic laws. They can stop you, inspect your papers, and issue fines.
What they CANNOT do:

They cannot impound your vehicle for personal reasons

They cannot demand bribe

They cannot forcefully seize your keys

They cannot arrest you for non-criminal matters
Their job is road safety not harassment.

VIO (Vehicle Inspection Office)
These ones focus on the car itself, not you. Their job is mechanical inspection:

Roadworthiness

Vehicle condition

Emissions

Testing vehicles before issuing roadworthiness certificates
They CAN check vehicle documents related to the car's health BUT they cannot stop you on federal highways. Their power is mostly within states and here’s the part most people don’t know, they do NOT have legal authority to demand your driver’s licence on public roads. Driver’s licence is not their jurisdiction.
What they CANNOT do:

They cannot chase your vehicle

They cannot stand on highways checking licences

They cannot demand unrelated documents

They cannot threaten arrest
They are inspectors not law enforcement.

NIGERIA POLICE FORCE
Police can legally:

Request driver’s licence

Check your identity

Verify vehicle ownership

Investigate stolen vehicles

Enforce criminal offences on the road
Because driver’s licence is a means of identification, and police handle law enforcement generally.
But what they CANNOT do:

They cannot impose traffic fines

They cannot ask for money

They cannot seize your phone because of traffic stop

They cannot force you out of the car without cause

They cannot impound your vehicle except for criminal suspicion
Their job is security not roadside extortion.
The Simple Summary (Save This):

FRSC → CAN check driver’s licence

Police → CAN check driver’s licence

VIO → CANNOT check driver’s licence
Different uniforms.
Different powers.
Different laws.
Stop allowing everyone on the road to intimidate you.
Know your rights.
Know their limits.
Know the law.
December is coming with plenty “stop-and-check.”
Arm yourself with knowledge,
not panic.

Confidence Aribibia
I remain your favorite lawyer

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