The Court of Appeal in Abuja has affirmed a landmark judgment restricting the powers of Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) and the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), ruling that their officials can no longer seize vehicles or impose fines on motorists across Nigeria.
In its decision, the appellate court dismissed an appeal filed by the VIO, describing it as lacking merit. The ruling upholds an earlier judgment delivered on October 16, 2024, by Justice Nkeonye Maha of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The legal dispute began after a motorist was stopped at Jabi District, Abuja, where VIO officials allegedly confiscated his vehicle despite having no statutory authority to do so. The motorist approached the court to challenge what he described as an unlawful act and a violation of his constitutional rights.
Justice Maha had ruled that VIO officers have no legal powers under Nigerian law to detain vehicles, seize documents, or issue fines. The judge emphasized that only a competent court can impose penalties on motorists who violate traffic regulations.
The court cited the 1999 Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, stressing that motorists’ rights—especially freedom of movement, presumption of innocence, and property ownership—must be protected at all times.
Although the applicant sought N500 million in damages and a public apology, the court awarded N2.5 million, declaring that the actions of the officials constituted an infringement of his fundamental rights.
Respondents in the case included the Directorate of Road Traffic Services, its Abuja Area Commander, a team leader, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Their appeal against the ruling has now been dismissed, making the decision binding.
With this judgment, VIO and DRTS officials nationwide are legally barred from seizing vehicles or issuing fines without a court order, reinforcing long-standing concerns over unlawful enforcement practices.
The ruling is expected to reshape road traffic enforcement in the Federal Capital Territory and could influence similar cases across the country.
