In a significant ruling, the Federal High Court in Abuja has prohibited the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (VIO) from stopping, impounding, or confiscating vehicles, as well as from imposing fines on motorists.
The judgment was delivered by Justice Evelyn Maha on October 2, 2024, in response to a fundamental rights enforcement suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023) filed by attorney Abubakar Marshal, who specializes in human rights and public interest law.
Justice Maha addressed the legal authority of the respondents, which included the Director of Road Transport, the Area Commander in Jabi, the Team Leader in Jabi, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
She upheld Marshal’s argument that there is no legal basis for the actions taken by these officials against motorists. The judge stated that “no law empowers the respondents to stop, confiscate, impound, seize, and impose fines on motorists.”...Read Full Article [Click Here>]
Furthermore, Justice Maha issued an order restraining the respondents from engaging in such practices, labeling them as wrongful, oppressive, and unlawful.
She also granted a perpetual injunction to protect the rights of Nigerians, affirming their freedom of movement, presumption of innocence, and property rights against unlawful infringements.
