The Court of Appeal in Abuja has confirmed the October 4, 2024 judgment of the Federal High Court, which prohibits the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), commonly known as VIO, from stopping, impounding, or confiscating vehicles on public roads and from levying fines on motorists.
In a judgment delivered Thursday, a three-member appellate panel ruled against the DRTS on all issues brought up in the appeal, effectively upholding the lower court’s decision.
Justice Oyejoju Oyebiola Oyewumi, who delivered the lead judgment, described the appeal as meritless and ordered that the appellant pay N1 million in costs to the respondent, a rights activist and public interest lawyer, Abubakar Marshal.
This ruling reinforces legal safeguards for motorists and limits the enforcement powers of the VIO on Nigerian roads.
