The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order prohibiting the Directorate of Road Traffic Services, commonly referred to as the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), from impounding, confiscating, or levying fines on any motorist.
This ruling was delivered in a case brought forth by human rights advocate and public interest lawyer, Abubakar Marshal of Falana and Falana Chambers.
Honourable Justice N.E. Maha concurred with the Applicant, stating that there exists no legal authority granting the Respondents the power to stop, impound, confiscate, seize, or impose fines on motorists. This judgement was rendered in the case identified as FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023, involving Marshal Abubakar against the Directorate of Road Traffic Services and four other parties. The court's decision, announced on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, declared that the 1st to 4th Respondents, under the jurisdiction of the 5th Respondent (Minister of the Federal Capital Territory), lack any statutory authority to stop, impound, or confiscate vehicles belonging to motorists or to impose fines.
The court further ordered that the 1st to 4th Respondents, including their agents, employees, and assigns, are restrained from impounding or confiscating vehicles or imposing fines on motorists, as such actions are deemed wrongful, oppressive, and unlawful.
Additionally, the court issued a perpetual injunction preventing the respondents, whether acting independently or through agents, associates, or any representatives of the 1st Respondent, from infringing upon the rights of Nigerians to freedom of movement, the presumption of innocence, and the right to property without lawful justification.
No comments:
Post a Comment