The Federal High Court sitting in Jalingo, the capital of Taraba State, on Monday reserved judgment in a fundamental rights enforcement suit challenging the prolonged neglect and unsafe condition of the Numan–Jalingo Road, fixing February 26, 2026, for its decision.
The suit was filed by a human rights lawyer, Bilyaminu Maihanchi, against the federal government and its relevant agencies.
Maihanchi contends that the failure of the appropriate authorities to rehabilitate and secure the Numan–Jalingo Road amounts to a violation of citizens’ constitutional rights to life, human dignity, and freedom of movement, as guaranteed under Sections 33, 34 and 41 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
At the hearing, all parties adopted their respective processes, while several respondents raised preliminary objections challenging the competence and justiciability of the suit.
After hearing arguments from counsel on all sides, the court adjourned the matter and reserved judgment for February 26, 2026.
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Speaking with journalists after the proceedings, Maihanchi said the case goes beyond politics or policy, describing it as a matter concerning the protection of human lives.
“When a federal road becomes a death trap, exposes commuters to insecurity, and degrades human dignity, it ceases to be a mere infrastructure issue and becomes a constitutional matter.
“We are grateful that the court has taken all arguments and reserved judgment. We remain hopeful that justice will be done,” he said.
The lawyer explained that the action was not intended to embarrass any level of government, but to compel constitutional accountability and protect citizens from avoidable harm.
“Nigerians should not be forced to choose between travelling and surviving. Roads are meant to connect lives, not end them. This case is a call for urgent remedial action, not confrontation,” he explained.
The Numan–Jalingo road is a major federal corridor linking Adamawa and Taraba States.
Its prolonged deterioration has been associated with frequent road accidents, incidents of kidnapping, economic losses, and unsafe conditions for commuters.
