Court restricts VIO from seizing vehicles

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled against the Directorate of Road Traffic Services and Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO), prohibiting them from confiscating vehicles or imposing fines on motorists. In a decision delivered by Justice Nkeonye Maha, the court stated that no legal authority allows the VIO to stop, seize, or penalize drivers for any violations.

This ruling stemmed from a lawsuit (FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023) filed by public interest lawyer Mr. Abubakar Marshal. Justice Maha granted the requested reliefs, specifically ordering the respondents and their representatives not to impound vehicles or impose fines, deeming such actions as wrongful and unlawful.

The court issued a permanent injunction against the respondents from infringing on Nigerians’ rights to freedom of movement, presumption of innocence, and property ownership without legal justification. Justice Maha emphasized that only a court with proper jurisdiction has the authority to impose fines or sanctions on motorists for legal violations.

The ruling declared that the first four respondents, overseen by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (the fifth defendant), lack the legal power to stop, confiscate vehicles, or impose fines on motorists.