In a landmark ruling, the Federal High Court in Abuja has barred the Directorate of Road Traffic Services, commonly known as the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), from stopping vehicles on the road, confiscating them, or imposing fines on motorists. The judgment, delivered by Justice Evelyn Maha on October 2, follows a fundamental rights enforcement suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023) filed by human rights activist Abubakar Marshal.
Justice Maha upheld Marshal’s argument, affirming that there is no legal basis for VIO officials to engage in these practices. The ruling extends to other key figures in traffic enforcement, including the Director of Road Transport and officers in the Jabi area, with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) named as a respondent.
“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,” Justice Maha stated.
The court also issued a restraining order to prevent the VIO and its agents from further unlawful actions. Justice Maha described the practices as oppressive, wrongful, and without legal foundation. In addition, a perpetual injunction was granted, safeguarding Nigerians’ freedom of movement and property rights, reinforcing the presumption of innocence.
This ruling is expected to significantly impact traffic enforcement across Nigeria, reshaping the role of the VIO in managing road safety and vehicle inspections.
