In a landmark ruling, the Federal High Court in Abuja has barred the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) from stopping, impounding, or fining motorists, declaring such actions as unlawful and without legal basis. The judgment came in response to a suit filed by Abubakar Marshal, a human rights activist and attorney from Falana and Falana Chambers.
Justice N.E. Maha, who presided over the case, ruled that the VIO, along with other relevant authorities, has no legal power to stop or confiscate vehicles, nor to impose fines on motorists. The case, identified as FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023, pitted Marshal Abubakar against the Directorate of Road Traffic Services and several other respondents, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“There is no law empowering the respondents to stop, impound, confiscate, seize, or impose fines on motorists,” Justice Maha stated, agreeing with the arguments presented by the applicant.
The court also declared that the actions of the VIO and its agents in this regard were “wrongful, oppressive, and unlawful.”
The ruling specifically restrains the VIO and other related agencies, acting through their agents or assigns, from further impounding vehicles or imposing fines. It also issued a perpetual injunction, preventing these authorities from violating Nigerians’ rights to freedom of movement, property ownership, and the presumption of innocence.
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Marshal Abubakar expressed satisfaction with the ruling, describing it as a victory for motorists across Nigeria.
“This is a significant step in protecting the rights of Nigerians, especially their freedom of movement and the right to own property without harassment or unlawful seizure,” he said.