A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ruled that the Directorate of Road Traffic Services, also known as vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) has no rights to stop or impound vehicles on the roads.
In her judgement, Justice Evelyn Maha while ruling on suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023 filed by human rights and public interest attorney, Mr. Abubakar Marshal issued an order restraining the VIO or its official from stopping or impounding vehicles.
The court ruling affected the Director of Road Transport; the Area Commander, Jabi, and the Team Leader, Jabi, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) whom were all listed as respondents in the suit.
According to Justice Maha, the 1st to the 4th respondents, who are under the control of the 5th respondent (Minister of the FCT) are not empowered by any law.
She, therefore, issued an 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.
The judge also issued 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