Court Bars VIO From Stopping Vehicles, Seizing Licenses and levying fines on drivers

A Federal High Court in Abuja has made a groundbreaking ruling that restricts the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) from stopping vehicles on the road, seizing or taking possession of vehicles, and levying fines on drivers.

This landmark decision was delivered by Justice Evelyn Maha on October 2, 2024, in the case FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023, filed by human rights activist and public interest lawyer Abubakar Marshal.

The court’s ruling declared that the VIO lacks the legal authority to enforce such actions, and the respondents, including the Director of Road Transport, Area Commander of Jabi, Team Leader of Jabi, and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, have no statutory power to stop vehicles, impound them, or impose fines on motorists.

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This decision offers significant relief to millions of Nigerian motorists who have been subjected to arbitrary vehicle seizures and fines by the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO).