Officials of the Vehicle Inspector Officer (VIO) have been banned from stopping, impounding and levying vehicles on the road.
CONVERSEER reports that the ruling was given by a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Wednesday and presided over by Justice Evelyn Maha.
In her ruling in a case concerning the enforcement of fundamental rights, referenced as FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023, which was brought forward by human rights activist and public interest lawyer, Barrister Abubakar Marshal, Justice Maha said the order also includes the Director of Road Transport, the Area Commander of Jabi, the Team Leader of Jabi, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, all of whom are identified as respondents.
According to the Nigerian Tribune, the ruling affirmed Marshal’s assertion that there is no legal basis for the VIO and its officials to stop, impound, or confiscate vehicles or to levy fines against motorists.
Justice Maha stated, “The actions of the first to fourth respondents, under the control of the fifth respondent, are not empowered by any law or statute to stop, impound, or confiscate the vehicles of motorists or impose fines on them.”
A restraining order was also issued by the court against the respondents, prohibiting them and their representatives from imposing fines, seizing or impounding vehicles, and characterising these actions as illegal, oppressive, and wrong.
In addition, Justice Maha issued a perpetual injunction to defend Nigerians’ rights to their freedom of movement, presumption of innocence, and unwarranted property ownership.
It is anticipated that this historic decision will have a major impact on Nigerian traffic enforcement policies as well as drivers’ rights.