An Abuja Division of the Federal High Court has declared that the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), officially known as the Directorate of Road Services, is not legally authorized to confiscate vehicles or impose fines on Nigerians for road traffic violations.
Justice Nkeonye Evelyn Maha delivered the ruling on October 2, 2024, in case number FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023, which was brought before the court by rights attorney Abubakar Marshal of Falana and Falana Chambers. The lawsuit sought to challenge the authority of one of Nigeria’s most controversial road traffic enforcement agencies.
Justice Maha ruled that the VIO lacks legal backing to seize vehicles or levy fines on motorists, stating, “VIO officers are not empowered by any law or statute to stop, impound, confiscate the vehicles of motorists and or impose fines on motorists.”
The court issued a perpetual injunction against the VIO, preventing its agents from violating the rights of Nigerians, including their freedom of movement and the right to own property.
While the ruling curtails the powers of the VIO, it does not affect the operations of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), which remains Nigeria’s largest road traffic enforcement agency.
As of Thursday, October 3, 2024, the VIO has not commented on the court’s ruling.
