koplu Naanjwan Kevin

Jos, Plateau State – Despite a standing court order from the Abuja Court of Appeal, Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs) under the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) in Plateau State are reportedly continuing roadside operations, including stopping, checking, and impounding vehicles.

This alleged disregard for judicial directives is causing significant traffic congestion, commuter delays, and raising public safety concerns. Eyewitnesses and motorists in Plateau State report that VIO officials are visibly present on roads, actively flagging down vehicles to check particulars. This practice, explicitly restrained by a recent appellate court ruling, often leads to vehicles being impounded on the spot.

Motorists describe incidents where VIO officers allegedly resort to forceful tactics if drivers do not immediately comply with their directives. This includes the removal of vehicle plate numbers or officers attempting to force their way into vehicles to impound them.

Such actions have, in the past, been linked to avoidable accidents, creating hazardous situations for both drivers and other road users.

The controversy stems from a definitive ruling by the Abuja Court of Appeal. In a unanimous decision delivered by a three-member panel of Justices, the appellate court upheld an earlier verdict from a Federal High Court in Abuja. The lead judgment was read by Justice Oyejoju Oyewumi.

This initial High Court judgment, dated October 16, 2024, explicitly prohibited the VIO from harassing motorists on the road, confiscating vehicles, or imposing fines. The judgment followed a fundamental right enforcement suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023, filed by a public interest lawyer, Mr. Abubakar Marshal.

The Court of Appeal found no grounds to overturn this prohibition, effectively making the High Court’s decision binding.The continued presence and operations of VIOs on Plateau roads, therefore, appear to be in direct contravention of this appellate court order.

This situation not only undermines the authority of the judiciary but also poses a challenge to the principles of rule of law and due process. Commuters and transport stakeholders are expressing frustration over the persistent delays and the perceived impunity of the VIO.

Many are calling for immediate intervention from relevant authorities to ensure compliance with the court order and to prevent further disruption and potential danger on the state’s roads.

Efforts to reach the Plateau State Directorate of Road Traffic Services for comment on their continued operations despite the court order were unsuccessful at the time of this report.

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VIO Continues Roadside Operations in Plateau Despite Court Order, Raising Concerns Over Legality and Public Safety