The Federal High Court in Abuja has barred the Directorate of Road Traffic Services, popularly known as the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), from stopping, impounding, or confiscating vehicles, as well as imposing fines on motorists.
The court ruled that such actions are unlawful and constitute a violation of fundamental rights.
Justice Evelyn Maha, who delivered the judgment on Thursday, issued the order following a suit filed by human rights lawyer, Abubakar Marshal.
Marshal, in a fundamental rights enforcement suit, argued that the VIO and other respondents had no legal authority to stop vehicles or punish motorists in such a manner.
The ruling not only affects the VIO but also extends to the Director of Road Transport, the Area Commander of Jabi, the Jabi team leader, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), all of whom were listed as respondents in the case.
In her judgement, Justice Maha upheld Marshal’s argument, declaring that no existing law empowers the respondents to seize or impound vehicles or impose fines on drivers.
She condemned the actions of the VIO and other respondents, stating that their conduct was “wrongful, oppressive, and unlawful.”
The judge proceeded to grant a perpetual injunction, restraining the VIO and other parties from stopping, impounding, or confiscating vehicles, as well as imposing fines.
She emphasized that such actions violate the rights of Nigerians to freedom of movement, the presumption of innocence, and the right to own property.
This ruling is seen as a significant victory for motorists in the Federal Capital Territory, who have long complained about the arbitrary actions of VIO officers.
Justice Maha’s judgment reinforces the protection of fundamental rights, ensuring that Nigerians cannot be unlawfully punished or deprived of their property without legal justification.
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