Court bars VIO from impounding vehicles, imposing fines

A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a restraining order against the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (VIO), preventing them from stopping vehicles, confiscating them, or imposing fines on motorists.

The ruling came in response to a fundamental rights enforcement suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023) filed by human rights activist and attorney, Abubakar Marshal.

Justice Evelyn Maha, who delivered the judgment on Wednesday, October 2, ruled in favor of Marshal’s argument that the VIO and its counterparts have no legal authority to stop or seize vehicles, nor to impose fines on motorists.

Also impacted by the judgment are the Director of Road Transport, the Area Commander of Jabi, the Team Leader of Jabi, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), all listed as respondents in the case.

Justice Maha declared that the respondents, acting under the control of the Minister of the FCT, have no legal grounds to impound vehicles or impose fines on motorists, labeling such actions as oppressive and unlawful.

The court issued a perpetual injunction to restrain the respondents from violating the rights of Nigerians to freedom of movement, presumption of innocence, and property ownership without lawful justification.