Federal High Court Bars VIO From Stopping, Impounding Vehicles

Justice Evelyn Maha of the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a significant ruling prohibiting the Directorate of Road Traffic Services, commonly known as the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), from stopping vehicles, impounding or confiscating them, and imposing fines on motorists.

This judgment, delivered on Thursday, stems from a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by human rights activist and public interest attorney Abubakar Marshal.

The order also affects several key officials, including the Director of Road Transport, the Area Commander of Jabi, and the team leader in Jabi, along with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), who were named as respondents in the case.

Justice Maha upheld Marshal’s argument that the respondents lacked any legal authority to stop, impound, or seize vehicles or to levy fines against motorists.

In her ruling, Justice Maha declared that the actions of the respondents were not supported by any law or statute. She further stated that such actions are wrongful, oppressive, and unlawful, leading to her issuance of a restraining order against the confiscation of vehicles and imposition of fines.

Additionally, the judge granted a perpetual injunction against the respondents, protecting the rights of Nigerians to freedom of movement, the presumption of innocence, and the right to own property without lawful justification.

This landmark decision emphasizes the need for lawful procedures in traffic enforcement and the protection of individual rights.