Federal High Court Bars VIO from Stopping or Impounding Vehicles in Landmark Ruling

The Federal High Court has issued a significant ruling barring the Directorate of Road Traffic Services, commonly known as the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), from stopping, impounding, confiscating, or imposing fines on motorists. This judgment was delivered by Honourable Justice N.E. Maha on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, in response to a lawsuit filed by human rights activist and public interest lawyer, Abubakar Marshal.

In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023, titled Marshal Abubakar vs. Directorate of Road Traffic Services & 4 Ors., the court ruled in favor of the applicant, declaring that the VIO, along with other respondents, had no legal authority to stop vehicles or enforce fines.

Justice Maha emphasized that no statute empowers the 1st to 4th Respondents (the VIO and affiliated bodies), under the control of the 5th Respondent (Minister of the Federal Capital Territory), to seize vehicles or impose penalties on motorists.

The court issued an order restraining the respondents, including their agents and representatives, from continuing such practices, which it deemed wrongful, oppressive, and unlawful.

Furthermore, an order of perpetual injunction was granted, prohibiting the respondents from infringing on the constitutional rights of Nigerians, particularly their right to freedom of movement, the presumption of innocence, and property ownership without lawful cause.

This ruling represents a significant victory for road users, addressing long-standing concerns about the legality of the VIO’s actions.