Sam Philip
Lagos State Government has cleared the air on the verdict of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, which stated that the Directorate of Vehicle Inspection Services (otherwise known as VIO) does not have power to stop vehicles on the road, impound or confiscate vehicles, and or imposing fines on motorists, saying it doesn’t affect Lagos.
A press statement by the state government reads: “It is important to note and be informed that a law 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.”