The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, has upheld the Federal High Court’s ruling from October 4, 2024, which prohibits the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (VIO) from stopping, impounding, or confiscating vehicles on public roads, as well as from imposing fines on motorists.
In a judgment delivered by a three-member panel on Thursday, all issues raised by the appellant, the Directorate of Road Traffic Services, were resolved against them.
Justice Oyejoju Oyebiola Oyewumi, who authored the lead judgment, stated that the appeal lacked merit.
The court consequently awarded costs of ₦1 million against the VIO and in favor of the respondent, rights advocate and public interest lawyer, Abubakar Marshal, marking a significant victory for motorists’ rights and legal advocacy.
This decision reaffirms the judiciary’s stance on the protection of citizens’ rights on public roadways.
