Appeal Court Upholds Landmark Ruling, Permanently Bars VIO from Stopping or Impounding Vehicles

In a decisive victory for Nigerian motorists, the Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld a 2024 Federal High Court judgment that permanently prohibits Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) from stopping, impounding, or imposing fines on vehicles, effectively stripping the controversial agency of its core enforcement powers on public roads.

The Court of Appeal has delivered a final verdict cementing a major win for drivers across Nigeria, affirming that Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs) no longer have the legal authority to stop or confiscate vehicles on the road.

In a judgment delivered on Thursday, a three-member appellate panel led by Justice Oyejoju Oyebiola Oyewumi dismissed an appeal by the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (VIO) and upheld the landmark ruling of the Federal High Court from October 4, 2024. The court declared the appeal "without merit" and imposed a cost of N1 million on the VIO, to be paid to the respondent, rights activist and lawyer Abubakar Marshal, who brought the original suit.

The ruling validates the lower court's position that the VIO's widespread practice of halting vehicles, demanding documents, and imposing on-the-spot fines or towing cars was an overreach of its statutory powers. The agency, known for its frequent roadblocks and often contentious interactions with motorists, has been a persistent source of public frustration, with allegations of harassment and extortion.

Background and Public Sentiment

The lawsuit, filed in the public interest, argued that the VIO's enforcement activities on moving vehicles were illegal and infringed on the rights of citizens. The original judgment, widely celebrated by road users, was seen as a necessary check on an agency whose operations many viewed as predatory rather than regulatory.

For years, Nigerian drivers have complained about the arbitrary nature of VIO stops, inconsistent fines, and the inconvenience of having vehicles impounded over minor or disputed infractions. The appellate court's affirmation solidifies a legal shield for motorists and clarifies the limits of the VIO's mandate, which is now effectively restricted to inspections at licensing offices and fixed points, not active interception on highways.

What This Means for Motorists

With this judgment, the VIO is legally barred from:

* Stopping moving vehicles for inspection or document checks.

* Impounding or towing vehicles from the road.

* Issuing fines or penalties directly to drivers during roadside operations.

Primary traffic law enforcement on Nigerian roads now rests squarely with the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), within their respective legal jurisdictions. Motorists can now legally refuse to comply if a VIO attempts to flag them down for a routine stop.

The N1 million cost awarded against the VIO underscores the court's view of the appeal as frivolous and sends a strong message regarding the limits of administrative power.

This ruling represents a significant shift in Nigeria's road traffic governance, prioritizing the free movement of citizens and curbing practices long perceived as abusive.

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