Lagos Govt: Abuja Court Ruling Limiting VIO Powers Not Nationwide — VIS Operations Remain Valid in State
The Lagos State Government has firmly stated that a recent Court of Appeal decision in Abuja restricting Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) activities does not extend beyond the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and has no nationwide impact. The clarification comes amid widespread public confusion and viral claims suggesting the ruling invalidates vehicle enforcement nationwide. The appellate court upheld a 2025 Federal High Court judgment by Justice Evelyn Maha, which declared that VIO officials in Abuja lack legal authority to stop motorists, impound vehicles, or impose fines due to the absence of enabling statutes in the FCT. In a detailed statement issued by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), the Lagos State Ministry of Justice emphasized that the decision is jurisdiction-specific. “The judgment, though binding, is not of general application or of nationwide effect in Nigeria,” the statement read. “It is premised on the absence of statutory pow...