The Federal High Court in Abuja has prohibited the Directorate of Road Traffic Services and Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) from confiscating vehicles or imposing fines on motorists.

In a ruling delivered by Justice Nkeonye Maha, the court determined that no law grants the VIO the authority to stop, impound, or fine motorists for any violations.

This decision stemmed from a lawsuit (FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023) filed by public interest lawyer Mr. Abubakar Marshal.

Justice Maha granted the reliefs sought by the plaintiff, specifically restraining the respondents, their agents, and assigns from impounding vehicles or imposing fines, deeming such actions as wrongful, oppressive, and unlawful.

The court also issued a perpetual injunction against the respondents, preventing them or anyone acting on behalf of the Directorate of Road Traffic Services from violating the rights of Nigerians to freedom of movement, presumption of innocence, and property ownership without legal justification.

Justice Maha emphasized that only a court of competent jurisdiction has the authority to impose fines or sanctions on motorists found to be in violation of any laws.

The court clarified that the first to fourth respondents, overseen by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (the fifth defendant), lack the legal power to stop, impound, or confiscate vehicles or impose fines on motorists.