A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (commonly referred to as VIO) to stop halting vehicles on the road, impounding them, or imposing fines on drivers.

Justice Nkeonye Evelyn Maha delivered the judgment in FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023 on October 2, 2024, ruling that the VIO lacks the legal authority to seize vehicles or impose penalties on motorists.

The order also extends to the Director of Road Transport, the Area Commander, Jabi, the Team Leader, Jabi, and the Minister of the FCT, who were named as respondents in the case.

In the judgment issued on Wednesday, October 2, Justice Maha supported the Marshal’s argument that no law grants respondents the power to stop, impound, confiscate, or fine motorists.

The judge declared that the first to fourth respondents, under the control of the fifth respondent (Minister of the FCT), are not authorized by any law or regulation to seize vehicles or impose fines on motorists.

She then issued an order restraining the 1st to 4th respondents, including their agents or assigns, from confiscating vehicles or fining motorists, deeming such actions wrongful, oppressive, and illegal.

Justice Maha further issued a perpetual injunction preventing the respondents, their agents, or anyone acting on behalf of the 1st respondent, from violating Nigerians’ rights to free movement, presumption of innocence, and property ownership without lawful cause.

It was unclear whether the VIO would comply with the judgment, as a spokesperson for the directorate did not immediately respond to a request for comments on Thursday afternoon.