A Federal High Court ruling in Abuja, presided over by Justice Evelyn Maha has barred the Directorate of Road Traffic Services, popularly known as VIO from stopping, confiscating, and imposing fines on motorists.
The fundamental rights enforcement suit – FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023, was filed by a human rights and public interest attorney, Abubakar Marshal. Justice Maha issued the order on Wednesday October 2, 2024.
The judgement affected the Director of Road Transport; the Area Commander, Jabi, and the Team Leader, Jabi, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, also listed as respondents.
Upholding Marchal’s argument that no law empowers the respondents to stop, confiscate, impound, seize and impose fines on motorists.
The judge declared that the first to the 4th respondents, who are under the control of the 5th respondent (Minister of the FCT), are not empowered by any law to perform such duty.
She further affirmed the order restraining the 1st to 4th respondents either through their servants or agents from confiscating, impounding vehicles or imposing a fine on any motorist as doing so is wrongful, oppressive and unlawful by themselves.
Justice Maha also made an order of perpetual injunction restraining the respondents from further violating the rights of Nigerians to freedom of movement, presumption of innocence and right to own property without lawful justification.
