Kehinde Fajobi
The Lagos State Government has clarified that a recent Federal High Court ruling in Abuja, which restricts the powers of the Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) from stopping, impounding, or fining vehicles, does not extend to Lagos State.
The court ruling, delivered on October 2, 2024, by Justice Evelyn Maha, came after a lawsuit filed by human rights lawyer Abubakar Marshal, who challenged the legality of VIO actions in Abuja.
Justice Maha ruled that the VIO in Abuja lacked legal grounds to stop and fine motorists, prompting widespread public interest.
However, Lagos State’s Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, emphasised in a statement on Tuesday that the ruling only applies within Abuja, due to the territorial limits of the court’s jurisdiction.
“It is important to clarify that a court ruling has territorial limitations, and in this case, the decision only affects Abuja,” Osiyemi said.
He further explained that Lagos State operates under the Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018, which gives the VIO clear authority to inspect vehicles, enforce traffic regulations, and impose fines within the state.
“Unlike Abuja, Lagos has a specific legal framework empowering the VIO to carry out its duties, ensuring road safety and compliance with traffic laws,” Osiyemi added.
The state government urged motorists to continue adhering to the traffic laws in Lagos, assuring the public that the VIO will maintain its operations under the legal provisions established by the state.