The Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) is no longer allowed to stop or seize vehicles on the road. Justice Evelyn Maha made this decision in response to a case brought by human rights lawyer, Abubakar Marshal, who argued that VIO has no legal right to impound vehicles or issue fines.
The judgment, delivered on October 2, also prevents VIO from imposing fines on motorists. Justice Maha agreed with the lawyer's claims that such actions by VIO officials are not backed by law and violate the rights of motorists.
The case, filed under number FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023, named the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (VIO), the Director of VIO, Mr. Leo, and other senior VIO officials, as well as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, as the respondents.
In his case, Marshal argued that stopping and impounding vehicles, or imposing fines, is wrongful and unlawful, as it goes against the rights of motorists to a fair hearing, freedom of movement, and the presumption of innocence. The court agreed and issued an order stopping VIO from carrying out these actions.
Justice Maha further emphasized that the VIO and its officials do not have the power to seize vehicles or penalize drivers. The court has now issued a permanent injunction, ensuring that Nigerians’ rights to move freely and own property are protected.
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