The Human Rights Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Bwari Branch, has confronted the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) over what it calls an unlawful comeback to major Federal Capital Territory (FCT) highways, defying a clear Federal High Court order that barred the agency from road enforcement duties.
In a strongly worded statement signed by Chairperson Anayisi Agnes Fashe-Omuya and Secretary M.O. Idam, the committee condemned the renewed presence of VIO operatives who have resumed stopping motorists, inspecting vehicles, and issuing fines — actions a court ruling explicitly outlawed.
The committee referenced the landmark judgment in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023 — Mr. Marshal Abubakar v. Directorate of Road Traffic Services & 4 Ors., where the court directed the VIO to immediately vacate FCT roads and desist from all enforcement operations.
Calling the VIO’s return a “flagrant affront to the judiciary,” the NBA Bwari Human Rights Committee disclosed that it has formally written to the Directorate, demanding immediate compliance with the subsisting order. The correspondence gives the VIO seven days to withdraw its officers from all FCT highways.
Should the agency refuse, the committee warned, it will initiate contempt proceedings against the Directorate and exhaust all legal avenues to uphold the court’s authority.
Reaffirming its mandate to defend motorists’ rights, the NBA cautioned that the rule of law is endangered when government agencies selectively obey court orders, adding that such conduct risks driving the society toward “anarchy and chaos.”
The committee urged relevant authorities to intervene swiftly, restore respect for judicial directives, and reinforce public confidence in lawful governance across the capital.