The Lagos State Government has clarified that a recent Federal High Court ruling in Abuja, which prohibits the Directorate of Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) from stopping and impounding vehicles, does not impact the operations of the VIO in Lagos.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, emphasized that the court’s ruling is limited to Abuja and does not apply to Lagos.
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He explained that courts have territorial jurisdiction, and the ruling delivered by Justice Evelyn Maha in the fundamental rights enforcement case FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023 is restricted to the capital.
Osiyemi elaborated that the court’s decision was based on the absence of laws empowering the VIO in Abuja to stop, impound, or impose fines on motorists.
In contrast, Lagos State operates under the Transport Sector Reform Law of Lagos State (TSRL-2018), which clearly establishes the powers, duties, and penalties that the VIO can enforce within the state.
He referred to Part II, Section 11-22 of the TSRL-2018, which grants the VIO authority to enforce traffic regulations and impose penalties on violators, as detailed in the law’s schedule.
“Therefore, the Federal High Court’s decision regarding VIO in Abuja is not applicable to Lagos State,” Osiyemi stated.
The commissioner urged motorists in Lagos to remain law-abiding, adhere to the Transport Sector Reform Law, and cooperate with VIO officers to maintain road safety across the state.
