The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, has affirmed an earlier judgment declaring the operations of the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) unlawful, awarding ₦1 million in costs to Abuja-based motorist and rights lawyer, Abubakar Marshal.
The appellate decision upholds the ruling of the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivered by Justice Nkeonye Evelyn Maha in October 2024, which held that the Directorate of Road Services—popularly known as VIO—has no legal authority to stop vehicles, seize them, or impose fines on motorists for alleged traffic violations.
In the case FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023, filed by Mr. Marshal of Falana & Falana Chambers, the court concluded that VIO officers were acting outside the powers granted to them under Nigerian law. Justice Maha stated that VIO personnel “are not empowered by any law or statute to stop, impound, confiscate the vehicles of motorists and/or impose fines on motorists.”
The landmark judgment significantly limits the powers of the VIO, which has long operated as one of the most visible—and sometimes controversial—traffic enforcement bodies across the country.
Justice Maha further granted a perpetual injunction restraining the VIO, its agents, allies, or anyone acting on its behalf from infringing on citizens’ rights to freedom of movement, presumption of innocence, or ownership of property without lawful justification.
The ruling does not affect the statutory powers of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), which remains the primary federal agency legally empowered to enforce road traffic regulations in Nigeria.
With the Court of Appeal now affirming the High Court’s decision, motorists across the country gain stronger legal backing against unlawful vehicle seizures and on-the-spot fines imposed by VIO officers.
