The Court of Appeal has affirmed a landmark judgment preventing Vehicle Inspection Officers—or VIO—from stopping and impounding vehicles on Nigerian roads. This ruling comes after a series of legal challenges aimed at curbing what many motorists described as unlawful harassment and extortion by VIO personnel.
The court held that VIOs do not have statutory powers to stop, detain, or impound vehicles, emphasizing that such actions fall outside their legal mandate. According to the judgment, the role of VIOs is strictly limited to vehicle inspection at authorized inspection centers, not traffic enforcement on highways.
This decision upholds the rights of motorists and underscores proper adherence to due process and regulatory frameworks. It also directs law enforcement agencies to review and align their operational protocols to avoid further unlawful disruption on the nation’s roads.
Motorists and transport unions have welcomed the ruling, describing it as a victory against alleged arbitrary stops and payments demanded by VIO officials. Legal experts say the judgment will reinforce clearer boundaries between inspection duties and traffic enforcement, boosting accountability.
The Appeal Court’s affirmation sends a strong signal that regulatory bodies must operate within the scope of the law, ensuring the protection of citizens’ rights while promoting road safety through proper channels.
Authorities are expected to issue guidelines to reflect this judgment officially, ensuring that VIO personnel redirect their efforts exclusively to authorized inspection activities.
