The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld a ruling declaring the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) illegal in its operations of stopping, impounding vehicles, or imposing fines on motorists.
The decision, delivered on Thursday, December 4, 2025, affirmed a Federal High Court judgment from October 2, 2024, which held that VIO and its operatives have no legal authority under Nigerian law to seize vehicles or levy fines.
The case began after a motorist challenged the VIO, claiming his vehicle was unlawfully impounded in Jabi, Abuja, on December 12, 2023.
The court ruled that such actions violated the constitutional rights of citizens, including freedom of movement and ownership of property.
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The Appeal Court panel, sitting in Abuja, dismissed the VIO’s challenge, upholding the lower court’s order and permanently restraining the agency and its officials from stopping, impounding, or fining vehicles.
Legal observers say the ruling is likely to reshape road enforcement practices across the country, forcing agencies to review the legal basis for vehicle inspections and related enforcement activities.