The Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (VIO) has no legal authority to stop vehicles, confiscate them, or impose fines on motorists.
Justice Evelyn Maha delivered the ruling on October 2, 2024, in a case brought by human rights attorney Abubakar Marshal, challenging the actions of VIO officers.
In her judgment, Justice Maha declared that no existing law grants the VIO or its officials the power to engage in such actions.
She specifically barred the Director of Road Transport, along with VIO officers in Jabi, Abuja, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), from stopping, impounding vehicles, or imposing fines on motorists.
The court further issued an order restraining VIO officials from continuing these practices, calling them “wrongful, oppressive, and unlawful.”
Additionally, a perpetual injunction was granted to prevent any future violations of citizens’ rights to freedom of movement, presumption of innocence, and property ownership.
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