The Federal High Court in Abuja has prohibited the Directorate of Road Traffic Services, commonly known as VIO, from stopping, impounding, or confiscating vehicles and imposing fines on motorists in the Federal Capital Territory.
This ruling was delivered by Justice Evelyn Maha on Thursday, October 3, in response to a fundamental rights enforcement suit brought before the court by human rights activist and lawyer Abubakar Marshal.
The order also applies to the Area Commander and Team Leader in Jabi, the Director of Road Transport, and the Minister of the FCT, who were all listed as respondents in the case.
Justice Maha determined that no law grants these respondents the authority to engage in such activities. She affirmed that the first through fourth respondents, under the control of the FCT minister, lack these powers.
In her ruling, Justice Maha issued a restraining order against these respondents and their agents, preventing them from impounding or confiscating vehicles or fining motorists. She stated that such actions are wrongful, oppressive, and unlawful.
Moreover, she declared a judgment that restricts the respondents and their agents from further infringing upon the rights of Nigerian motorists, including their freedom of movement, presumption of innocence, and the right to own property without lawful justification.
