The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld a Federal High Court judgment that prohibits the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) and Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs) from stopping motorists, impounding vehicles, or issuing fines within the Federal Capital Territory.
A three-man panel led by Justice Oyejoju Oyewumi dismissed the appeal filed by the DRTS, ruling that it lacked merit. The appellate court affirmed the earlier October 16, 2024 decision of Justice Nkeonye Maha, who held that no existing law authorises VIO officials to stop vehicles on the road or impose penalties on drivers.
The case originated from a fundamental rights suit filed by public interest lawyer Abubakar Marshal, who said VIO operatives unlawfully stopped him at Jabi on December 12, 2023, and seized his vehicle. Justice Maha had described the actions of the DRTS and its officers as oppressive, unlawful, and a breach of Marshal’s rights to fair hearing, movement, and property. She also ruled that only a court of law can impose sanctions or fines on motorists.
While Marshal, represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Falana, demanded N500 million in damages, the court awarded him N2.5 million. The DRTS, its Director, the Abuja Area Commander, team leader Solomon Onoja, and the FCT Minister challenged the ruling, but the Court of Appeal on Thursday upheld the judgment in full, effectively maintaining the ban on VIO enforcement activities against motorists in Abuja.
