The Road Traffic Services Directorate (VIO) in the Federal Capital Territory has been prohibited from stopping, impounding, or penalizing vehicles and drivers, as well as imposing fines.
This directive was issued by a Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, October 3, during a ruling on a rights enforcement lawsuit brought before the court by human rights advocate and lawyer, Abubakar Marshal.
Justice Evelyn Maha, the presiding judge, imposed the ban, stating that the listed respondents including the Area Commander and Director of Road Transport lack legal authority for these actions.
The judge stated that the first to fourth respondents, who are overseen by the FCT minister, do not have the authority to carry out such actions.
Additionally, she issued an order preventing these respondents and their representatives from seizing vehicles, penalizing drivers, or imposing fines. In her decision, she described these actions as incorrect, unfair, and illegal.
Furthermore, she declared a judgement that prohibits the respondents or their representatives from infringing on the rights of Nigerian drivers to move freely, be presumed innocent, and own property without proper legal reasons.