On Wednesday, October 2, the Federal High Court in Abuja made an important decision. The court said that the Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) and the Directorate of Road Traffic Services are not allowed to take cars or fine drivers.
Justice Nkeonye Maha explained that there is no law that gives the VIO the power to stop cars, take them away, or impose fines for any violations.
This ruling came after a lawyer named Mr. Abubakar Marshal filed a case with the number FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023.
Justice Maha stated that the VIO and its agents cannot take away cars or impose fines on drivers because that would be unfair and against the law. She also issued a strong order saying that these groups must not violate the rights of people in Nigeria, including their freedom to move around and their right to own property.
The judge made it clear that only a proper court can decide if a driver has broken the law and impose any fines or penalties.
In her ruling, Justice Maha confirmed that the VIO and the other related organizations, which are managed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, do not have the legal authority to stop or take cars from drivers or impose fines.
