On Wednesday, October 2, 2024, the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order restraining the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (VIO) and its officials from stopping vehicles on the road, impounding or confiscating vehicles, and imposing fines on motorists.

The judgment, delivered by Justice Evelyn Maha in the case FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023, was in response to a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by Abubakar Marshal, a human rights activist and public interest attorney from Falana and Falana Chambers.

The court upheld Marshal’s argument that no law empowers the VIO or its officials to stop, impound, confiscate, seize, or impose fines on motorists. Justice Maha declared that the actions of the VIO and its officials are wrongful, oppressive, and unlawful.

Furthermore, the court issued a perpetual injunction restraining the VIO and its agents from further violating the rights of Nigerians to freedom of movement, presumption of innocence, and right to own property without lawful justification.

The judgment has far-reaching implications for motorists in the Federal Capital Territory and sets a precedent for challenging the actions of the VIO and similar agencies across the country.

In addition to the declaratory and injunctive reliefs, the court also awarded N2,500,000 (Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Naira) in damages to the applicant, Mr. Marshal Abubakar, for the illegal violation of his fundamental rights by the VIO officials.

The court’s decision has been hailed as a victory for the rule of law and a check on the excesses of government agencies. It reinforces the principle that no agency or official can act outside the ambit of the law or infringe on citizens’ fundamental rights without consequences.

To access the full judgment, please click the link below

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