A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a ruling that stops the Directorate of Road Services, commonly referred to as Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) from confiscating vehicles or imposing fines on Nigerians for road traffic violations.
Delivering the judgment in case number FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023 on October 2, 2024, Justice Nkeonye Evelyn Maha stated that the VIO is not legally empowered to seize vehicles or impose harsh sanctions on motorists.
This ruling comes after a lawsuit by Human rights attorney and Public Interest Lawyer, Abubakar Marshal from Falana and Falana Chambers to challenge the authority of the infamous road traffic agency.
The decision offers a breath of relief to motorists as it significantly curtails the powers of the VIO.
However, it is important to note that the ruling does not extend to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), which has operated for decades as Nigeria’s largest body of road traffic marshals.
In her judgment, Justice Maha emphasized that VIO officers “are not empowered by any law or statute to stop, impound, confiscate the vehicles of motorists and or impose fines on motorists.”
The court subsequently issued a perpetual injunction against the VIO and its agents, forbidding them from infringing upon the rights of Nigerians, including their freedom of movement and right to own vehicles, without lawful justification.
The order also includes the Director of Road Transport, the Area Commander of Jabi, the Team Leader of Jabi, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, all of whom are identified as respondents.
The activities of VIO officers have been accused as unethical and unlawful especially the attitude with which these officers carry out their duties.
The duties of VIO officers include: ensuring that all vehicles are properly inspected and certified before registration or renewal of vehicle particulars; inculcating traffic rules through public education and advocacy; maintaining effective patrols on roads and highways to carry out routine checks and enforce compliance as well as carrying out effective enforcement through vehicle impoundment and payment of fines.
They are also to ensure that vehicle inspection plazas are well distributed for easy access within the metropolis; carrying out periodic training, retraining seminars and conferences for officers towards achievement of mastery in Motor Vehicle Administration.
The extortion and undue advantage with which these officers act has however left many motorists afraid and hate them. The brute force with which they act as well has left one thinking the extent to which the VIO are being trained on their duties.
This ruling has however enforced a new order in the day.
