Appeal Court Confirms VIO Has No Legal Power to Fine Motorists

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has affirmed an earlier judgment banning the operations of the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) in Nigeria and has ordered that motorist Abubakar Marshal be awarded ₦1 million as cost.

The appellate court upheld the decision of the Federal High Court, which ruled that the Directorate of Road Services, popularly known as VIO, has no legal power to confiscate vehicles or impose fines on motorists for traffic offences.

The original judgment delivered on October 2, 2024, by Justice Nkeonye Evelyn Maha in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023 stated that VIO officers are not recognized under any law to stop vehicles, impound them, or enforce fines.

The case, instituted by rights lawyer Abubakar Marshal of Falana & Falana Chambers, challenged the actions of VIO officers and sought relief for motorists who had long complained about their operations. The ruling brought widespread relief to road users and significantly limited the agency’s enforcement authority.

Justice Maha further issued a perpetual injunction restraining VIO officers, agents and anyone acting on their behalf from violating citizens’ rights to movement, presumption of innocence and property ownership without lawful backing.

However, the judgment does not affect the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), which remains the legitimate authority for road traffic regulation and enforcement in the country.

Details later…