Nigeria Motorists Celebrate as Court Limits VIO Authority to Impound and Fine

A Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) cannot stop, impound vehicles, or impose fines on motorists. This landmark decision protects citizens' rights, ensuring their freedom of movement and property ownership without unlawful interference, reshaping traffic enforcement practices in Nigeria.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a significant ruling preventing the Directorate of Road Traffic Services, commonly referred to as the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), from stopping vehicles, impounding them, or imposing fines on motorists. This decision comes in response to a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by human rights activist Abubakar Marshal.

The ruling was delivered by Justice Evelyn Maha on October 2, 2024. In her judgment, Justice Maha upheld Marshal’s assertion that VIO officials lack the legal authority to engage in such actions against motorists. The order applies not only to the VIO but also to the Director of Road Transport and local enforcement officials in Jabi.

Justice Maha emphasized that the actions of the VIO and associated personnel are not legally justified. She deemed their efforts to stop, impound, or fine motorists as unlawful and oppressive, leading to a restraining order against these practices. Additionally, the court granted a perpetual injunction to protect the rights of citizens, ensuring their freedom of movement, presumption of innocence, and property rights without unwarranted interference.

This landmark ruling is poised to have significant implications for traffic enforcement in Nigeria, potentially reshaping the conduct of law enforcement regarding vehicles and protecting motorists from unjust treatment.