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Showing posts with the label road safety

Secure Your Space: An Essential Guide to Personal Security in an Era of Rising Kidnapping and Banditry in Nigeria

In recent years, the specters of kidnapping and banditry have moved from the periphery of Nigeria's security challenges to a central, daily concern for citizens across the nation. From the highways of the North-West to the urban centers of the South, no region feels entirely immune. The statistics are grim and personal: fathers snatched from their commutes, mothers targeted in their homes, students abducted from schools, and travelers ambushed on inter-state roads. This pervasive insecurity demands more than just anxiety; it requires a proactive, practical, and informed approach to personal safety. While the ultimate solution lies with robust state security and socio-economic reforms, individual preparedness is a critical layer of defense. This comprehensive guide is designed to equip you with the knowledge, mindset, and actionable steps to significantly reduce your risk and enhance your personal security in the Nigerian context. Part 1: The Foundation – Cul...

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 lawy...