In a landmark ruling, the Federal High Court in Abuja has prohibited the Road Traffic Services, commonly referred to as the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), from stopping, impounding, or imposing fines on motorists.
The court’s decision follows a suit filed by human rights lawyer Abubakar Marshal of Falana and Falana Chambers.
Presiding over the case (FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023) between Marshal Abubakar and the Directorate of Road Traffic Services and four others, Justice N.E. Maha ruled that there is no legal backing authorizing the respondents to carry out such actions.
The judge agreed with the plaintiff that the VIO and other respondents, operating under the authority of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, do not have the legal right to stop or penalize motorists.
The court declared the actions of the respondents as unlawful and oppressive. In addition to the prohibition, a perpetual injunction was granted, preventing future violations of citizens’ rights to freedom of movement, the presumption of innocence, and property ownership without legal justification.
This ruling effectively bars the VIO and other agencies from continuing their controversial practice of impounding vehicles or issuing fines.
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