Photo Illustration: A VIO Officer Inspecting Motorist’s Document 

A Federal High Court in Abuja has prohibited the Directorate of Road Traffic Services, commonly known as the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), from stopping vehicles on the road.

The court also gave orders prohibiting the impounding or confiscating vehicles, and imposing fines on motorists.

The judgment which was delivered by Justice Evelyn Maha on October 2, stems from a fundamental rights enforcement suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023), filed by human rights activist and public interest attorney Abubakar Marshal.

Justice Maha in her ruling, affirmed Marshal’s assertion that there is no legal basis for the VIO and its officials to stop, impound, or confiscate vehicles or to levy fines against motorists.

The order also extends to the Director of Road Transport, the Area Commander in Jabi, and the Team Leader in Jabi, with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) listed as a respondent.

Justice Maha said, “The actions of the first to fourth respondents, under the control of the fifth respondent, are not empowered by any law or statute to stop, impound, or confiscate the vehicles of motorists or impose fines on them.”

The court also issued a restraining order against the respondents, preventing them and their agents from impounding or confiscating vehicles or imposing fines, labelling such actions as wrongful, oppressive, and unlawful.

Furthermore, Justice Maha granted a perpetual injunction to protect the rights of Nigerians, ensuring their freedom of movement, presumption of innocence, and right to own property without lawful justification.

This ruling is expected to have significant implications for traffic enforcement practices and the rights of motorists in Nigeria.

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