The Federal High Court, Abuja, has barred the VIO from confiscating or imposing fines on motorists, a development that threw residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) into a celebratory mode.
On a radio programme monitored in Abuja, residents saluted the move, noting it was long overdue as a result of the obnoxious attitude of the men and women in the white and black uniform. It was also a subject of jubilation and discussion in many commercial vehicles as the news ran on radio.
Justice Nkeonye Maha in the judgement held that no law empowered the VIO to stop, impound, confiscate, seize or impose fines on motorists for any violation.
The judgement followed a suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023, which was filed by a public interest lawyer, Mr. Abubakar Marshal.
Justice Maha, while granting reliefs that were sought by the plaintiff, specifically restrained the Respondents, either through their agents, servants and or assignees, from impounding and confiscating vehicles or imposing a fine on any motorist as doing so would be wrongful, oppressive and unlawful.
The court also issued an order of perpetual injunction restraining the respondents, whether by themselves, agents, privies, allies or anybody acting on behalf of the 1st Respondent (Directorate of Road Traffic Services), from further violating the rights of Nigerians to freedom of movement, presumption of innocence and right to own property without lawful justification.
Justice Maha held that only a court of competent jurisdiction could impose a fine or sanction any motorist who was found to have acted in breach of any extant law.
It declared that the 1st to 4th Respondents in the matter, which are under the control of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (5th defendant), are not empowered by any law or statute to stop, impound or confiscate vehicles and or impose fines on motorists.
From Zuba to Kubwa; Galadimawa to Garki Districts; Wuse to Maitama Districts, the Vehicle Inspection Officers have been known to stop vehicles, smack on Abuja highways making demands to check registration papers and car safety equipment.
During the last administration, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) was forced to issue a directive warning against such stop, demand and search exercises between the hours of 8.00 a.m – 10.00 a.m and 4.00 p.m – 6.00 p.m for free flow of traffic and ease of movement for workers during the rush hours.
The desperation of the VIOs, it was gathered, intensified after government stopped funding the office from budgetary allocations and directed that the office raise its funds and also remit revenue to it.
Hiding under the new directive, the VIO began incessantly harassing motorists, amid complaints of underhand dealings by the officers. There have also been reported cases of clashes with motorists.
