Federal High Court Stops VIO from Confiscating Vehicles and Imposing Fines

Justice Evelyn Maha of the Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (commonly known as the Vehicle Inspection Office, VIO) has no legal authority to stop, impound, or confiscate vehicles or to impose fines on motorists. The judgment, delivered on October 2, followed a lawsuit brought by human rights lawyer Abubakar Marshal, who argued that such actions by the VIO violate motorists’ fundamental rights.

In the case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023, the Directorate of Road Traffic Services, its Director, several officials, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory were listed as respondents. Marshal sought a court declaration that the VIO has no legal backing to stop or seize vehicles or to fine drivers, stating that these actions violate rights such as freedom of movement and the presumption of innocence.

The court sided with the applicant, issuing a restraining order against the VIO and its agents, preventing them from impounding vehicles or imposing fines. Justice Maha labeled such actions as oppressive, unlawful, and a violation of Nigerians’ rights. The court further issued an injunction to protect citizens’ freedom of movement and right to property without undue interference.