By Saheed Afolabi
The Lagos State Government has rejected the Abuja court ruling on the Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) and says it’s only applicable in Abuja.
In connection with the Federal High Court judgment in Abuja barring the Directorate of Vehicle Inspection Services (otherwise known as VIO) from further stopping vehicles on the road, impounding or confiscating vehicles, and imposing fines on motorists and whether the VIO in Lagos State or that of other States would be affected by the decision.
The Lagos State Government through the ministry of transportation has revealed the judgement of the VIO relates to only Abuja and it’s inconsequential to Lagos.
The Lagos State Government however urges motorists and residents of the state to abide by the instructions of VIO officials and accord them their respect.
“It is important to note and be informed that in law a court has limits of its territorial jurisdiction and in this case, the judgment is restricted to Abuja.
“It is also important to know the rationale of the judgment of Hon. Justice Evelyn Maha in the fundamental rights enforcement suit: FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023. The rationale is that there is no law which empowers the VIO in Abuja to stop, impound seize, or impose fines on motorists, whereas in Lagos State, there is the Transport Sector Reform Law of Lagos State (TSRL-2018) which dictates; Part II, Section 11-22 of the law to the establishment, duties and power of VIO in the State, with the penalties or fines that can be imposed for traffic violations as contained in schedule of the law (violations-1-52).
“Therefore the decision of the Federal High Court Abuja on VIO is inapplicable in Lagos State.
“Motorists in Lagos State are advised to continue to be law-abiding, uphold the TSRL, and respect the VIO.”
