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The Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) and Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) lack the legal authority to confiscate vehicles or impose fines on motorists.
The judgment, delivered by Justice Nkeonye Maha, affirmed that no law permits the VIO to stop, impound, seize, or fine motorists for traffic violations.
The ruling followed a lawsuit filed by public interest lawyer, Abubakar Marshal, under the case number FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023.
Justice Maha granted the reliefs sought by the plaintiff, restraining the DRTS and its agents from impounding vehicles or imposing fines, deeming such actions unlawful, oppressive, and wrongful.
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The court further issued a perpetual injunction, barring the respondents and their agents from infringing on citizens’ rights to freedom of movement, the presumption of innocence, and property ownership without lawful justification.
Justice Maha clarified that only a court of competent jurisdiction can impose fines or sanctions on motorists found guilty of violating traffic laws.
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The court also declared that the 1st to 4th respondents, who operate under the authority of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (5th defendant), are not legally empowered by any law or statute to stop, impound, or confiscate vehicles, or to impose fines on motorists.
