27/10/2025
No, VIO officers in Rivers State do not have the right to impound your vehicle, according to a Federal High Court ruling in October 2024 that barred them from stopping, confiscating, or fining motorists. Despite this ruling, reports indicate that VIOs are still operating on the roads, which has led to confusion and complaints from drivers.
What the court ruled
A Federal High Court in Abuja issued an order stating that the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (VIO) has no legal authority to stop vehicles, impound them, or impose fines.
The court barred the VIO and its agents from further violating motorists' rights to freedom of movement and property ownership.
What is happening in Rivers State is an organised corporate extortion and corruption from high ups in the ministry of transport.
Despite the court order, there are reports of VIO officers still stopping vehicles on the roads in Port Harcourt, causing harassment and traffic congestion.
There is no law in Nigeria that empowers VIO to stand on the road, Rivers State bylaws are not superior to the laws of the federal Republic of Nigeria.
We are calling on the Governor of the state , His Excellency Sir Sim for the immediately removal of the Rivers State Commander, pointing out that VIOs are operating beyond their authority and are not following the court order.