THE Lagos State government has clarified that the recent Federal High Court judgment in Abuja, which restricts the Directorate of Vehicle Inspection Services (VIO) from stopping, impounding, or fining motorists, does not apply to Lagos.
A statement by the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said the judgment by Justice Evelyn Maha is confined to Abuja due to territorial jurisdiction limits.
He said the judgment, part of a fundamental rights enforcement case FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023, highlighted that no law existed in Abuja empowering the VIO to perform such actions.
According to him, it is important to note and be informed that a court has limits of its territorial jurisdiction, and in this case, the judgment is restricted to Abuja.
Osiyemi stated that in the case of Lagos State, the Transport Sector Reform Law (TSRL) of 2018 governs the operations of the VIO.
He explained that Sections 11 to 22 of the TSRL outline the establishment, duties, and powers of the VIO, including the authority to impose penalties for traffic violations, as detailed in the law’s schedule.
Osiyemi emphasized that the Federal High Court’s decision, therefore, holds no bearing on Lagos State. Motorists are advised to comply with the TSRL and respect the authority of the VIO.
Motorists in Lagos State are advised to continue to be law-abiding, uphold the TSRL, and respect the VIO.
Eighteen-Eleven Media