Justice Evelyn Maha of the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an important order that protects the rights of motorists across Nigeria.
The court has barred the Directorate of Road Traffic Services, commonly known as the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), from stopping vehicles, impounding or confiscating them, and imposing fines on drivers.
This ruling came after a fundamental rights enforcement suit was filed by human rights activist and public interest attorney Abubakar Marshal.
Justice Maha’s decision not only impacts the VIO but also affects several key officials, including the Director of Road Transport, the Area Commander in Jabi, and the team leader in Jabi, as well as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, who were named as respondents in the case.
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In her judgement, Justice Maha strongly supported Marshal’s argument that there is no legal basis for the respondents to stop vehicles, confiscate them, or impose fines on motorists.
She declared that these actions were neither lawful nor justified under any existing laws or statutes. The judge emphasized that such actions are wrongful, oppressive, and unlawful.
To ensure the protection of motorists’ rights, Justice Maha issued a permanent injunction preventing the respondents from further infringing upon the rights of Nigerians.
This ruling upholds the fundamental right to freedom of movement. This landmark decision is a victory for motorists.
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