By Abba – Eku Onyeka, Abuja
A rights attorney from Falana and Falana Chambers has taken a law suit against the Directorate of Road Transport Service, known as (VIO) in an Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, challenging the organization’s jurisdiction on the roads and vehicles.
The lawyer however succeeded to prune the powers of one of the country’s most dreaded road traffic enforcers and brought respite to millions of motorists across the country, as the court said the VIO should immediately cease confiscating vehicles or imposing fines on Nigerians over road traffic violations.
Justice Nkeonye Evelyn Maha said while delivering judgement in FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023 on October 2, 2024, that the notorious road traffic inspectorate was not legally equipped to seize vehicles or impose severe sanctions on motorists.
The order did not apply to the Federal Road Safety Corps, which has operated for decades as the largest body of road traffic marshals in Nigeria.
In her judgement, Ms Maha said: “VIO officers are not empowered by any law or statute to stop, impound, confiscate the vehicles of motorists and or impose fine on motorists.”
Subsequently, the judge entered an order of perpetual injunction restraining the VIO and its agents, privies, allies or anybody acting on its behalf from further violating the rights of Nigerians to freedom of movement, presumption of innocence and right to own property without lawful justification.
When contacted to find out if they will appeal the case, the VIO’s spokesman said that the Federal Capital Territory Administration is studying the matter.
