The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has issued a ruling that prohibits the Directorate of Road Traffic Services and Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) from confiscating vehicles or imposing fines on motorists.
Delivering the judgment, Justice Nkeonye Maha stated that no law empowers the VIO to stop, impound, confiscate, or impose fines on motorists for any violations. The decision stemmed from a public interest lawsuit filed by lawyer Mr. Abubakar Marshal, marked as FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023.
Justice Maha granted the reliefs sought by the plaintiff, specifically restraining the Respondents and their agents from impounding vehicles or imposing fines, deeming such actions as wrongful, oppressive, and unlawful.
Additionally, the court issued a perpetual injunction against the respondents, preventing them from violating Nigerians’ rights to freedom of movement, presumption of innocence, and property ownership without lawful justification.
Justice Maha affirmed that only a court of competent jurisdiction can impose fines or sanctions on motorists found in breach of any existing laws. The ruling declared that the 1st to 4th Respondents, under the control of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (5th defendant), lack the legal authority to stop, impound, or confiscate vehicles or impose fines on motorists.