Judgement restrains VIO from impounding vehicles and levying fines
The Federal High Court in Abuja has prohibited the Directorate of Road Traffic Services and Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) from confiscating vehicles or imposing fines on motorists.
The judgement, delivered by Justice Nkeonye Maha, marks a victory for motorists and clarifies the limits of the VIO’s powers.
The case resulted from a lawsuit filed by public interest lawyer Mr. Abubakar Marshal, challenging the authority of the VIO to impound vehicles or impose fines for alleged traffic violations.
Justice Maha, in her judgement, stated that no law grants the VIO the authority to stop, impound, or confiscate vehicles, nor does it allow them to impose fines.
Motorists who have long complained about the activities of VIO officers can breathe a sigh of relief following the ruling.
The court’s decision emphasizes that only a court of competent jurisdiction can sanction motorists for breaching traffic laws.
This ruling uphold citizens rights to freedom of movement and property ownership without unlawful interference.
The court further issued an order of perpetual injunction, preventing the VIO, the Directorate of Road Traffic Services, or their agents from further violating Nigerians’ rights. The court held that any such actions would be oppressive, wrongful, and unlawful unless authorized by a court.
This ruling is seen as a landmark decision in protecting the rights of motorists and could set a precedent for how road traffic services operate across the country. Motorists in the Federal Capital Territory, in particular, are expected to benefit as they will no longer face arbitrary fines or vehicle confiscations by VIO officers.
