Court Bars VIO From Stopping, Impounding Vehicles, Imposing Fines

Abuja, Nigeria- The Federal High Court in Abuja has barred the Directorate of Road Traffic Services, also known as the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), from stopping, impounding, or confiscating vehicles, as well as imposing fines on motorists.

The ruling was delivered by Justice Evelyn Maha in response to a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by human rights activist and public interest lawyer, Abubakar Marshal.

The suit, numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023, challenged the powers of the VIO and other related agencies to enforce these actions against motorists.

The court’s decision also affects the Director of Road Transport, the Area Commander and Team Leader of Jabi, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), who were named as respondents.

Justice Maha ruled in favor of Marshal’s argument, stating that no law grants the respondents the authority to stop vehicles, impound or confiscate them, or impose fines on drivers.

The court further emphasized that the VIO and its affiliates, operating under the supervision of the Minister of the FCT, lack the legal framework to continue such practices.

She then issued an order restraining the 1st to 4th respondents, including their agents, servants, or representatives, from impounding or confiscating motorists’ vehicles or imposing fines, as such actions are wrongful, oppressive, and unlawful.

Justice Maha also granted a perpetual injunction preventing the respondents, whether directly or through their agents, allies, or anyone acting on behalf of the 1st respondent, from further infringing on Nigerians’ rights to freedom of movement, presumption of innocence, and the right to own property without lawful justification.