BREAKING: Court Declares VIO Illegal — Motorists React In Jubilation

The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal has affirmed the ban on the operations of the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) and further awarded the sum of ₦1 million in damages to lawyer, Abubakar Marshal.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

It will be recalled that the Federal High Court in Abuja had earlier ruled that the Directorate of Road Services (popularly known as VIO) has no legal authority to seize vehicles or impose fines on Nigerians for traffic violations.

Justice Nkeonye Evelyn Maha, delivering judgment in suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023 on October 2, 2024, declared that the agency lacks statutory powers to confiscate vehicles or mete out heavy penalties on motorists.

The ruling, which stemmed from a suit filed by human rights lawyer, Mr. Marshal of Falana & Falana Chambers, significantly curtailed the powers of one of Nigeria’s most feared road traffic enforcement bodies, providing relief to motorists nationwide.

The decision, however, does not affect the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), which remains the officially recognized national road safety authority.

Justice Maha emphasized that VIO officials “have no legal authority under any law or regulation to stop, impound, or confiscate vehicles, nor to impose fines on motorists.”

A perpetual injunction was subsequently issued, restraining the VIO and its representatives from violating citizens’ rights to freedom of movement, presumption of innocence, and lawful ownership of property.