This decision was made by Justice Evelyn Maha in response to a fundamental rights enforcement suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023) brought by human rights activist and attorney Abubakar Marshal.
The ruling affects not only the VIO but also includes the Director of Road Transport, the Area Commander of Jabi, the Team Leader of Jabi, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), all named as respondents.
In her judgment on Wednesday, October 2, Justice Maha supported Marshal’s claim, stating that there is no legal basis for the respondents to stop, seize, or impose fines on motorists. She declared that the first four respondents, operating under the authority of the fifth respondent (the Minister of the FCT), lack the legal power to undertake such actions.
The judge issued a restraining order against the first four respondents and their agents, prohibiting them from impounding vehicles or fining motorists, labeling these actions as wrongful, oppressive, and unlawful.
Additionally, Justice Maha granted a perpetual injunction against the respondents or anyone acting on their behalf, safeguarding Nigerians’ rights to freedom of movement, presumption of innocence, and property ownership without lawful justification.
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (VIO) cannot stop, impound, or fine vehicles or motorists.
This decision was made by Justice Evelyn Maha in response to a fundamental rights enforcement suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023) brought by human rights activist and attorney Abubakar Marshal.
The ruling affects not only the VIO but also includes the Director of Road Transport, the Area Commander of Jabi, the Team Leader of Jabi, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), all named as respondents.
In her judgment on Wednesday, October 2, Justice Maha supported Marshal’s claim, stating that there is no legal basis for the respondents to stop, seize, or impose fines on motorists. She declared that the first four respondents, operating under the authority of the fifth respondent (the Minister of the FCT), lack the legal power to undertake such actions.
The judge issued a restraining order against the first four respondents and their agents, prohibiting them from impounding vehicles or fining motorists, labeling these actions as wrongful, oppressive, and unlawful.
Additionally, Justice Maha granted a perpetual injunction against the respondents or anyone acting on their behalf, safeguarding Nigerians’ rights to freedom of movement, presumption of innocence, and property ownership without lawful justification.
