The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal has upheld the ban on the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), delivering a major legal victory for motorists and awarding Abubakar Marshal, a rights lawyer, one million naira in costs.

The decision follows an earlier ruling by the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, which had ordered the Directorate of Road Services — popularly known as VIO — to stop seizing vehicles and imposing fines on Nigerians for road traffic violations.

Judgment Against VIO Powers

Justice Nkeonye Evelyn Maha, in her judgment delivered on October 2, 2024 in case FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023, clarified that VIO officers lack any legal authority to impound vehicles or levy heavy fines on motorists.

The ruling stemmed from a lawsuit filed by Mr Abubakar Marshal of Falana and Falana Chambers, who challenged the legality of the VIO’s operations, describing them as unlawful and oppressive.

The judgment significantly curtailed the powers of one of Nigeria’s most notorious road traffic enforcement agencies, offering relief to millions of motorists across the country.

Perpetual Injunction Against VIO

Justice Maha further granted a perpetual injunction restraining the VIO and its agents, allies, or anyone acting on its behalf from violating Nigerians’ rights to freedom of movement, presumption of innocence, and lawful ownership of property.

She emphasized that the order does not extend to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), which remains Nigeria’s principal road traffic enforcement body and has operated legally for decades.

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In her words, VIO officers “are not empowered by any law or statute to stop, impound, or confiscate the vehicles of motorists, nor to impose fines on them.”

Relief for Motorists

This landmark judgment is expected to end widespread harassment of motorists by VIO personnel and reinforce the legal protections of citizens against unlawful state actions.