The Lagos State Government has said that the judgement of a federal high court in Abuja which stopped Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) from imposing sanctions on erring motorists is not binding on the state.
This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Transportation Oluwaseun Osiyemi.
Last week, a court in Abuja had stopped VIO operatives from imposing sanctions on motorists since there was no law prescribing such.
The statement in full:
LASG CLARIFIES FEDERAL HIGH COURT JUDGEMENT IN ABUJA…declares it doesn’t affect the directorate in Lagos.
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;
1. 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.
2. 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)
3. 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.
E-signed;
Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi,
Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation.
8th October, 2024.
