Appeal Court upholds ruling restricting VIO from impounding vehicles, fining motorists

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has affirmed a landmark judgment delivered on October 4, 2024, by the Federal High Court, which bars the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (VIO) from stopping, impounding, or confiscating vehicles, as well as imposing fines on motorists.

In its ruling on Thursday, a three-member panel of the appellate court dismissed the VIO’s appeal on all three issues presented before it, thereby reinforcing the lower court’s decision.

Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Oyejoju Oyebiola Oyewumi declared that the appeal lacked merit. She further awarded a cost of ₦1 million against the appellant, in favour of the respondent, human rights advocate and public interest lawyer, Abubakar Marshal.