A Federal High Court in Abuja has barred the Vehicle Inspection Office, VIO, from stopping, impounding, confiscating vehicles, or imposing fines on drivers.
This landmark judgment, delivered by Justice Nkeonye Evelyn Maha, asserts that no law empowers the VIO to take such actions against motorists, even in cases of traffic violations.
The court’s decision came after a public interest lawyer, Abubakar Marshal, filed a suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023) challenging the VIO’s authority.
Justice Maha ruled in favor of Marshal, granting relief and restraining the VIO from further violating Nigerians’ rights to freedom of movement, presumption of innocence, and property ownership without lawful justification.
According to the judgment, only a court of competent jurisdiction can impose fines or sanctions on motorists who breach extant laws.
This ruling safeguards Nigerians’ fundamental rights and serves as a check on the powers of the VIO.
The Directorate of Road Traffic Services and VIO officers under the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory’s control are affected by this judgment.
This significant victory for motorists sets a precedent for protecting citizens’ rights and ensuring that government agencies operate within their legal boundaries.
