Mary Akanbi
23rd November, 2025
The Human Rights Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Bwari Branch, has raised serious concern over the renewed presence and activities of officers of the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) on major roads across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), describing the development as a direct violation of a subsisting Federal High Court order.
In a statement issued by its Chairman, Anayisi Agnes Fashe-Omuya, Esq, and Secretary, M.O. Idam, Esq, the Committee expressed “utter dismay” at the resurgence of VIO operatives who have resumed stopping vehicles, inspecting motorists, and imposing fines — actions the court had expressly prohibited.
The Committee referenced the judgment of the Federal High Court in **Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023 — Mr. Marshal Abubakar v. Directorate of Road Traffic Services & 4 Ors. **, where the court ordered the VIO to immediately cease such road operations and vacate the highways.
Despite the clarity of the judgment, the NBA Bwari Human Rights Committee said the VIO has continued to engage in practices adjudged unlawful, undermining the integrity of the justice system and disregarding the rule of law.
To address the breach, the Committee confirmed it has formally written to the Directorate of the VIO demanding full and immediate compliance with the judgment. The letter directs the Directorate to withdraw its officers from FCT roads without delay.
The Committee warned that failure to comply within seven (7) days will leave it with no option but to initiate contempt proceedings against the Directorate and pursue “all other lawful actions available” to enforce the ruling.
Reiterating its commitment to defending citizens’ rights and ensuring institutional accountability, the Committee cautioned that any society where government agencies freely disregard court orders risks sliding into “anarchy and chaos.” It stressed that the VIO’s continued illegal operations threaten public confidence in lawful governance.
The Human Rights Committee reaffirmed that it will not hesitate to activate all legal mechanisms necessary to ensure compliance with judicial directives and protect the rights of motorists in the FCT.
They called on authorities to uphold the rule of law and respect the sanctity of court judgments.
