In a decisive victory for Nigerian drivers, the Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld the landmark ban on the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), declaring its enforcement operations illegal and awarding one million naira in compensation to an Abuja motorist.
The ruling solidifies an earlier judgment from the Federal High Court, which last October dramatically curbed the powers of the notorious traffic inspectorate.
That initial ruling, delivered by Justice Nkeonye Evelyn Maha, stated that VIO officers “are not empowered by any law or statute to stop, impound, confiscate the vehicles of motorists and or impose fine on motorists.”
The case was brought by rights attorney Abubakar Marshal of Falana and Falana Chambers, who challenged the VIO’s authority following an incident of vehicle confiscation.
The Appeal Court’s decision to dismiss the VIO’s appeal and uphold the lower court’s judgment brings finality to the legal battle.
Justice Maha’s original ruling included a perpetual injunction, restraining the VIO and its agents from further violating the constitutional rights of Nigerians to freedom of movement, the presumption of innocence, and the right to own property. The Appeal Court’s affirmation means this injunction remains fully in force.
The court also awarded Abubakar Marshal one million naira in costs, underscoring the merit of his lawsuit.
This judgment brings long-sought respite to millions of motorists across Nigeria who have faced frequent vehicle seizures and fines from the VIO.
It is important to note that the ban does not apply to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), which remains the primary statutory body for traffic regulation and safety enforcement on the nation’s roads.
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