Court stops VIO from stopping, impounding vehicles, fining motorists

A Federal High Court in Abuja has restrained the Directorate of Road Traffic Services, also known as Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) from impounding, confiscating or imposing fine on any motorists. Justice Nkeonye Maha on Wednesday held that the VIO and other defendants are not empowered by any law or statute to stop, impound, confiscate the […]

A Federal High Court in Abuja has restrained the Directorate of Road Traffic Services, also known as Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) from impounding, confiscating or imposing fine on any motorists.

Justice Nkeonye Maha on Wednesday held that the VIO and other defendants are not empowered by any law or statute to stop, impound, confiscate the vehicles of motorists and or impose fine on motorists.

A human rights activist and public interest Attorney, Abubakar Marshal, had filed the suit contending that there is no law empowering the respondents from the confiscating vehicles and imposing fines on motorists.

The court also made an order of perpetual injunction restraining the respondents whether by themselves, agents, privies, allies or anybody acting on behalf of the 1st Respondent (VIO) from further violating the rights of Nigerians to freedom of movement, presumption of innocence and right to own property without lawful justification. 

The respondents joined in the suit are the Director of Traffic Services; the Director, Directorate of Road Traffic Services; Mr Leo, the Area Commander, Directorate of Road Traffic Services; Onoja Solomon; Team Leader Directorate of Road Traffic Services, Jabi Area Command; and the Minister of FCT.