Federal High Court Bars Vehicle Inspection Office From Impounding Cars, Fining Motorists

A federal high court in Abuja has issued a ruling that prohibits the Directorate of Road Traffic Services, commonly known as the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), from stopping vehicles, impounding them, or imposing fines on motorists.

The decision was delivered on Wednesday by Judge Evelyn Maha in response to a suit filed by human rights lawyer Marshal Abubakar.

The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023, named several respondents, including the director of the VIO, its area commander, the team leader of the Jabi branch, and the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In her ruling, Judge Maha said, “The VIO, which operates under the control of the FCT minister, has no legal authority to stop or impound vehicles, and to fine drivers.”

She described the actions of the VIO as “oppressive, wrongful, and unlawful,” and issued a restraining order against the respondents, preventing them from impounding vehicles or imposing fines.

Additionally, the court granted a perpetual injunction, barring the VIO and its agents from infringing on citizens’ rights to freedom of movement, presumption of innocence, and ownership of property without lawful justification.

The judgment was delivered via Zoom, affirming Abubakar’s assertion that the VIO’s actions exceeded their legal powers.

Abubakar expressed satisfaction with the ruling, emphasising its importance for safeguarding citizens’ rights. “This judgment is a victory for the rule of law and the protection of individual freedoms in our society,” he stated.

Boluwatife Enome

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