Justice Evelyn Maha of the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a landmark ruling that prohibits the Directorate of Road Traffic Services, also known as the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), from stopping, impounding, or confiscating vehicles on public roads. The judgment, delivered on October 2, prevents the VIO from imposing fines on motorists, marking a significant advancement in the protection of citizens’ rights.
The ruling came from a fundamental rights enforcement suit brought by a human rights activist. The court found that the actions of the VIO lacked legal justification, affirming the applicant’s stance that the imposition of fines and confiscation of vehicles violates the rights of motorists.
The case, registered under FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023, involved multiple respondents from the Directorate of Road Traffic Services and highlighted a broader concern regarding the legal powers granted to traffic enforcement entities. The court’s decision reinforced the principles of fair hearing, freedom of movement, and the presumption of innocence, as outlined in Nigeria’s Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
In her ruling, Justice Maha issued a restraining order against the respondents, labeling their actions as “wrongful, oppressive, and unlawful.” The court also granted a perpetual injunction to protect the rights of Nigerian citizens, ensuring they can move freely and own property without undue interference.
This ruling stands to reshape the landscape of traffic enforcement in Nigeria, reaffirming citizens’ legal protections against unwarranted actions by traffic authorities.
