Court bans VIO activities in Nigeria
Court bans VIO activities in Nigeria
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld a ruling that prevents Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) and the Directorate of Road Traffic Services from confiscating vehicles or imposing fines on motorists.
The appellate court confirmed the October 16, 2024, decision of the Federal High Court in Abuja, dismissing an appeal filed by the VIO as baseless.
The case arose after a motorist challenged the actions of VIO officials, who had stopped him at Jabi District, Abuja, and confiscated his vehicle without legal authority.
The Federal High Court ruled that the VIO had no power under the law to detain, seize, or fine drivers.
The court also ordered that the rights of motorists, including freedom of movement, presumption of innocence, and property ownership, must not be violated.
Justice Nkeonye Maha had ruled that only a competent court could impose fines on motorists found to breach any law.
The ruling cited provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights to reinforce motorists’ protections.
While the applicant sought N500 million in damages and a public apology, the court awarded N2.5 million instead.
Respondents in the case included the Directorate of Road Traffic Services, its Abuja Area Commander, a team leader, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Their appeal against the judgment was rejected by the Court of Appeal.
The decision is now binding, ensuring that VIO officials cannot seize vehicles or issue fines outside legal authority.
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