The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Thursday affirmed a lower-court ruling that bars the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) and its Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs) from confiscating motorists’ vehicles or imposing fines.
A three-member panel dismissed an appeal by the DRTS as lacking merit, thereby upholding the 2024 decision of the Federal High Court.
The original court ruling stemmed from a fundamental-rights suit in which a motorist alleged unlawful seizure of his car by VIO agents. The judge had deemed the action unlawful, saying only a competent court may impose fines or penalties.
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With the appellate court’s decision, motorists across the FCT and other affected areas are now shielded from arbitrary vehicle impoundment and fines by traffic enforcers without judicial backing.
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