The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order prohibiting the Road Traffic Services, commonly known as the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), from stopping, impounding, or imposing fines on motorists.
This ruling was delivered in response to a suit filed by human rights lawyer and public interest attorney Abubakar Marshal of Falana and Falana Chambers.
Honourable Justice N.E. Maha, while presiding over the case marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023 between Marshal Abubakar and the Directorate of Road Traffic Services & 4 Others, ruled that no law authorizes the respondents to carry out such actions.
Justice Maha agreed with the applicant that the respondents, under the authority of the 5th respondent, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, lack the legal grounds to stop, impound, or fine motorists.
The court, on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, declared that the actions of the 1st to 4th respondents are unlawful and oppressive.
Additionally, the court issued an order restraining the respondents, their agents, and representatives from continuing to impound vehicles or impose fines on motorists.
It further granted a perpetual injunction, preventing any future violations of Nigerians’ rights to freedom of movement, the presumption of innocence, and property ownership without legal justification.