Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Wednesday ruled that the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) has no legal authority to impound vehicles or impose fines on motorists.
The court delivering judgment on FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023, which was filed by a public interest lawyer, Mr. Abubakar Marshal, stated that “VIO, under the supervision of the Federal Capital Territory Minister, lacks the statutory power to stop, confiscate, or fine vehicles.”
The court further issued a perpetual injunction, preventing the VIO from infringing on citizens’ rights to movement, presumption of innocence and right to own property without lawful justification.
Justice Maha held that only a court of competent jurisdiction could impose a fine or sanction any motorist who was found to have acted in breach of any extant law.
It declared that the 1st to 4th Respondents in the matter, which are under the control of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (5th defendant), are not empowered by any law or statute to stop, impound or confiscate vehicles and or impose fines on motorists.
VIO Not Authorised To Impound Cars.
