The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld a lower‑court judgment that bars the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), also known as VIO, from stopping, impounding, or confiscating vehicles on the roads and from imposing fines on motorists. A three‑member panel of justices ruled that the DRTS’s appeal was without merit, confirming the Federal High Court’s decision issued in October 2024.
The lawsuit was initiated by Marshal Abubakar, an Abuja‑based lawyer, after DRTS officials confiscated his vehicle without due process. The Federal High Court ruled in Abubakar’s favour, granting all reliefs sought and prohibiting the VIO from further stopping, impounding, confiscating vehicles, or levying fines. The court held that no law empowers the DRTS to take such actions and that doing so is wrongful, oppressive, and unlawful.
The Court of Appeal’s decision reinforces the Federal High Court’s order of perpetual injunction, which restrains the DRTS from violating Nigerians’ rights to freedom of movement, the presumption of innocence, and property ownership without lawful justification. The appellate court also awarded costs of N1 million against the DRTS in favour of Abubakar. The DRTS had appealed the Federal High Court’s judgment, which had awarded N2.5 million in costs against the defendants.
By upholding motorists’ rights and clarifying the limits of the DRTS’s authority, the ruling underscores the rule of law and protects citizens from arbitrary government actions. It highlights the importance of due process and the protection of citizens’ rights in Nigeria, sending a clear message that government agencies must operate within legal bounds and respect individual rights. The decision is expected to affect the operations of the DRTS and other government agencies, potentially prompting reforms aimed at greater transparency and accountability.
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