The Abia State Government has been called upon to comply with a Federal High Court ruling that declared all road enforcement activities by Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs) unlawful and unconstitutional.
The judgment, delivered by Justice Nkeonye Evelyn Maha on October 2, 2024, affirms that VIOs lack the legal authority to stop vehicles, impound them, or impose fines on motorists.
In a statement released on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, the Abia Civil Society Network (ACSON) expressed concern that VIOs across the state continue to engage in roadside operations in defiance of the court order.
“Despite clear judicial declarations and statutory limitations, VIO personnel continue to engage in unlawful practices such as stopping vehicles on highways, impounding them without lawful authority, and imposing arbitrary fines on unsuspecting motorists,” the group said.
Justice Maha’s ruling aligns with previous judgments from the Court of Appeal in Asaba and the Enugu State High Court, all affirming that VIO roadside operations violate motorists’ rights and are legally invalid.
According to the ruling, these actions by VIOs are “unlawful, oppressive, and constitute a violation of the rights of Nigerians.”
ACSON has demanded the immediate withdrawal of all VIOs from road operations. The group also called for:
- Public enlightenment campaigns to inform drivers and transport unions of their rights
- A compliance monitoring mechanism, such as a task force or ombudsman, to handle VIO-related complaints and ensure adherence to the law.
The group stressed that only the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and legally recognized traffic agencies are empowered by the Federal Road Safety Commission (Establishment) Act, 2007, to carry out road enforcement.
VIOs are administrative officers whose duties are limited to vehicle documentation, driver testing, and technical inspections — not traffic stops or issuing fines on the road.
“The Abia State Government must demonstrate its commitment to lawful governance by ending the VIO’s unconstitutional activities,” said ACSON.
The joint statement was signed by Amaka Biachi, Esq., Cassius Ukwugbe, and Okoye Chuka Peter, leaders of the civil society network.
Their call to action underscores the importance of accountability, rule of law, and the protection of citizens’ rights in promoting a functional and democratic society.
