Court Of Appeal Declares VIO Stops Illegal: What Every Nigerian Motorist Must Know
NIGERIAN motorists have scored a decisive legal victory following a Court of Appeal ruling that strips the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) of its ability to stop vehicles, confiscate driver documents, or issue fines. The decision follows a legal challenge by Abubakar Marshal, who exposed repeated VIO harassment of drivers across Abuja and other regions.
The appeal upholds last year’s Federal High Court judgment by Justice Nkeonye Evelyn Maha, which made it explicit that VIO officers are not granted enforcement powers akin to the FRSC or Police. The court found that VIO’s unauthorized actions—stopping motorists, impounding vehicles, and demanding payments—violate basic constitutional rights including freedom of movement, protection of property, and the right to due process.
Practically, this means VIO officers cannot:
-
Stop cars on public highways
-
Request or collect driver’s licences
-
Impound vehicles
-
Levy fines for traffic violations
The court’s ruling includes a perpetual injunction restraining VIO officers, their volunteers, or affiliates from obstructing motorists. This represents a significant win for ordinary drivers, who have for years endured intimidation by a legally unsupported authority.
Experts note that while VIO’s mandate was intended for vehicle inspection and certification, many officers had extended this to traffic enforcement, causing fear and confusion. The Court of Appeal’s decision reinforces that road safety enforcement is limited to agencies empowered by law, such as the FRSC and Police, while VIO’s uniform alone does not grant legal authority to stop motorists.
For drivers, this judgment is more than symbolic—it is actionable. Motorists are legally entitled to refuse VIO demands on the road, citing the Court of Appeal’s decision. The ruling ensures that harassment on Nigerian roads will no longer be tolerated under the guise of vehicle inspection, affirming that traffic regulation must align with the law.
