Court Bars VIO From Impounding Vehicles, Imposing Fines

The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order restraining the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (popularly known as VIO) from stopping vehicles, impounding them, or imposing fines on motorists.

This ruling, delivered by Justice Evelyn Maha on October 2, 2024, follows a fundamental rights enforcement suit brought forward by human rights activist and public interest attorney, Abubakar Marshal.

The suit, numbered FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023, was filed against several key figures, including the Director of Road Transport, the Area Commander of Jabi, the Team Leader of Jabi, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), who were all named as respondents.

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Justice Maha upheld the argument made by Marshal that the respondents lacked the legal authority to stop, impound, confiscate, or impose fines on motorists.

In her judgment, Justice Maha declared that no existing law or statute empowers the VIO or any of the respondents to carry out such actions.

She further emphasized that these practices were not only unlawful but also oppressive to motorists. As a result, an order was issued barring the VIO, along with other respondents, from continuing these activities.

The court also granted a perpetual injunction, preventing the respondents and their agents from violating the rights of Nigerians to freedom of movement, the presumption of innocence, and the right to own property.