In a landmark decision with major implications for motorists in the nation's capital, the Court of Appeal in Abuja has firmly upheld a judgment that strips the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) of its power to stop vehicles on the road.
Judicial Victory Against VIO Enforcement Powers
The appellate court, on Thursday, December 4, 2025, dismissed an appeal filed by the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), popularly known as VIO. The appeal sought to overturn an earlier Federal High Court ruling from October 4, 2024, which had placed strict limits on the agency's activities.
A three-member panel of the court, led by Justice Oyejoju Oyebiola Oyewumi, delivered the judgment. Justice Oyewumi, who read the lead judgment, declared that the VIO's appeal was without merit. The court therefore affirmed the lower court's decision, which explicitly barred the DRTS from the following actions:
- Stopping vehicles on the road.
- Impounding or confiscating vehicles.
- Imposing fines directly on motorists.
Costs and Implications of the Ruling
In a significant addition to the verdict, the Court of Appeal awarded a cost of N1 million against the Directorate of Road Traffic Services. This sum is to be paid in favour of the respondent, rights activist and public interest lawyer, Abubakar Marshal, who brought the original case against the agency.
This ruling is not just a simple affirmation but a powerful reinforcement of the legal boundaries placed on the DRTS. It solidifies the earlier judgment that restricted the agency's traditional road enforcement actions, which have long been a source of tension between officials and drivers in the Federal Capital Territory.
Far-Reaching Impact on FCT Traffic Procedures
The consequences of this appellate court decision are expected to be profound. Traffic enforcement procedures in Abuja are set for a major overhaul, as the VIO's primary methods of operation have been legally invalidated.
For everyday motorists, this means a significant reduction in direct encounters and potential confrontations with VIO officers on Abuja roads. The judgment shifts the legal landscape, emphasising due process and potentially paving the way for new, standardized traffic management protocols in the capital city.
This case, championed by Abubakar Marshal, stands as a notable example of public interest litigation successfully challenging established state authority, with the courts delivering a clear verdict on the limits of that power.
