In a landmark ruling, the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal has affirmed that the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) lacks legal authority to stop motorists, seize vehicles, or impose fines, a decision that could significantly change road-traffic enforcement practices across Nigeria.
The decision upholds a 2024 ruling by the Federal High Court, which held that no existing law empowers the VIO to engage in traffic enforcement. The appeal, filed by the VIO following a challenge by a motorist whose vehicle was seized, was unanimously dismissed by a three-member panel.
As a result of the ruling, the court awarded ₦1 million in damages to the plaintiff, recognising the unlawful seizure and the violation of constitutional rights including freedom of movement, presumption of innocence, and property rights.
The court’s decision does not affect the operations of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), which is affirmed as the legally authorised agency for traffic regulation and enforcement on Nigerian roads.
Legal experts say this ruling is significant potentially curbing arbitrary vehicle seizures, curtailing abuse of power by traffic-enforcement agents, and upholding the rights of motorists nationwide.
