A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a landmark ruling prohibiting the Directorate of Road Traffic Services, commonly known as the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), from stopping vehicles on the road, impounding or confiscating them, and imposing fines on motorists.
This judgment, delivered by Justice Evelyn Maha on October 2, arises from a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by human rights activist and public interest attorney Abubakar Marshal.
In her ruling, Justice Maha affirmed Marshal’s claim that there is no legal basis for the VIO and its officials to engage in such practices. 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 stated, “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 issued a restraining order against the respondents and their agents, characterizing their actions as wrongful, oppressive, and unlawful.
Also, a perpetual injunction was granted to protect the rights of Nigerians, ensuring their freedom of movement, presumption of innocence, and right to own property without lawful justification.