The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has affirmed a landmark judgment of the Federal High Court that stripped the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), popularly known as the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), of the power to stop vehicles, impound them, or impose fines on motorists.
Delivering the appellate judgment on Thursday, Justice Oyejoju Oyeyemi Oyewumi upheld the trial court’s decision, describing the VIO’s long-standing practices as unlawful and beyond their legal mandate.
What the Appeal Court Decided
The three-member panel agreed with the reasoning of Justice Evelyn Maha of the Federal High Court and resolved all issues against the Directorate of Road Traffic Services. Justice Oyewumi held that the appeal lacked merit and dismissed it accordingly.
The court also awarded N1 million in costs to the respondent, human rights activist and public interest lawyer, Abubakar Marshal.
Why the Case Matters
Marshal had filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit arguing that the VIO and other respondents were acting outside the scope of their statutory powers by stopping vehicles and imposing fines without any clear legal authority. The suit named several officials, including the Director of Road Transport, the Area Commander of Jabi, the Team Leader of Jabi, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
After reviewing the case, Justice Maha ruled that the respondents were not empowered by any law to stop vehicles, seize them, or impose fines. She described their actions as wrongful, oppressive, and unlawful.
She further held that the practices violated motorists’ fundamental rights—especially the right to freedom of movement, the presumption of innocence, and the right to own property without unlawful interference.
Key Implications of the Ruling
Justice Maha issued a perpetual injunction restraining the respondents from continuing the unlawful practices, warning that any future attempt to stop, seize, or fine motorists without valid legal backing would amount to a violation of their rights.
The Appeal Court’s affirmation sets a strong precedent for the limits of authority granted to road traffic enforcement agencies across Nigeria.
It reinforces motorists’ rights and provides legal clarity on the powers of the VIO and similar bodies.
Why This Judgement is Important for Nigerians
It protects motorists from arbitrary stops and unjust fines.
It reaffirms constitutional rights to movement, property, and presumption of innocence.
It clarifies that enforcement agencies must operate strictly within the law.
It sets a national benchmark for road traffic enforcement procedures.
This ruling is now one of the most significant judicial decisions shaping the operations of road traffic agencies in Nigeria
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