The Federal High Court in Abuja has made an order restraining the directorate of Road Traffic Services popularly known as Vehicle Inspection Office, VIO, from impounding, confiscating or imposing fine on any motorist.
The court while delivering judgement in a suit filed by human rights activist and public interest attorney, Abubakar Marshal of Falana and Falana Chambers.
Justice N.E. Maha agreed with the Applicant that there is no law empowering the Respondents to stop, impound, confiscate, seize or impose fine on motorists while delivering judgement in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023 between Marshal Abubakar vs the Directorate of Road Traffic Services & 4 Ors. The court in its judgement delivered on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, made a declaration that the 1st (Directorate of Road Traffic Services) to 4th Respondents under the control of the 5th Respondent (Minister of the Federal Capital Territory) are not empowered by any law or statute to stop, impound, confiscate the vehicles of motorists and or impose fine on motorists.
