Human rights lawyer Marshal Abubakar has called on Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to enforce a court ruling that bars Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) from stopping and impounding vehicles or imposing fines on motorists in Abuja.
In a judgment delivered on October 3, 2024, Justice Evelyn Maha of the Federal High Court ruled that the VIO, operating under the FCT Minister’s authority, lacks the legal power to enforce such actions. She described their activities as oppressive, wrongful, and unlawful, issuing a perpetual injunction to prevent the agency from violating citizens’ rights to freedom of movement, presumption of innocence, and ownership of property without legal justification.
Despite appealing the judgment, the VIO has yet to receive a verdict from the appellate court. However, Abubakar, in a letter dated March 12, accused the agency of blatantly defying the court’s ruling and continuing to harass motorists in the FCT.
“Sadly, VIO officials, in outright violation of the court’s express and binding orders, have resumed stopping vehicles, impounding cars, and imposing fines within the FCT,” the letter stated (paraphrased).
Abubakar also noted that numerous complaints from affected motorists have flooded in, and on-site investigations confirmed the illegal operations, which have led to violent confrontations between VIO officers and frustrated drivers.
“As a senior member of the legal profession, we find it disturbing that officials under your command are displaying such blatant disregard for a court order,” he wrote (paraphrased).
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He urged Wike to restore compliance with the court’s ruling while awaiting the final determination of the appeal and cross-appeal. Failure to act within seven days of receiving the letter, he warned, would prompt legal steps to initiate contempt proceedings against the minister.
