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Court Orders VIO to Stop Vehicle Confiscation, Fines

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The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court has delivered a landmark ruling restraining the Directorate of Road Services, popularly known as Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO), from confiscating vehicles or imposing fines on Nigerian motorists for road traffic violations. The court’s decision, issued on October 2, 2024, offers a significant reprieve to millions of Nigerian drivers who have long faced heavy-handed enforcement from the notorious traffic inspection body.

Presiding over the case, Justice Nkeonye Evelyn Maha ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, who had argued that the VIO lacked the legal authority to impose severe sanctions or impound vehicles. In her judgment, delivered in the case with reference number FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023, the judge stated categorically that the VIO “is not empowered by any law or statute to stop, impound, confiscate the vehicles of motorists and/or impose fines on motorists.”

The lawsuit, filed by human rights attorney Abubakar Marshal of Falana and Falana Chambers, questioned the legal basis of VIO’s enforcement practices. Marshal argued that the actions of the VIO violated fundamental human rights, particularly the right to freedom of movement, the presumption of innocence, and the right to own property without unlawful interference. Justice Maha agreed with this submission, leading to a ruling that significantly curtailed the powers of one of Nigeria’s most feared road traffic enforcement agencies.

As part of her judgment, Justice Maha issued an order of perpetual injunction against the VIO, preventing the agency, its agents, privies, or any affiliates from further infringing upon the rights of Nigerian motorists. The ruling essentially stripped the VIO of any legal standing to enforce traffic laws by seizing vehicles or imposing fines, actions that have for years sparked outrage among motorists.

The implications of this ruling are far-reaching. For many Nigerian drivers, the VIO had come to symbolize harsh and often arbitrary enforcement of road traffic laws, with numerous reports of motorists’ vehicles being impounded for minor infractions or under dubious circumstances. The court’s decision is seen as a victory for the rights of motorists, affirming that no enforcement agency can overstep its legal boundaries.

While the ruling has brought relief to millions, it is important to note that it does not affect the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), which remains the primary body authorized to enforce road safety and traffic laws in Nigeria. The FRSC has operated for decades as the largest and most structured road traffic enforcement agency, and its authority was not in question during these proceedings.

Despite the clear-cut nature of the ruling, it remains uncertain how the VIO will respond. As of Thursday afternoon, a spokesman for the agency had not issued any public comments or statements on whether they would comply with the court order. However, any disregard for the ruling could open the VIO to further legal challenges or sanctions.

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Edo State: Security First, Politics Later, Obaseki Urges Okpebholo

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Outgoing Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has issued a stern warning to incoming Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, emphasizing that prioritizing politics over security could lead to significant challenges for the state.

Obaseki delivered this message during a recent security briefing in Benin with key state security officials.

“My advice to the incoming administration is to take security seriously and never prioritize politics over security.

“Citizens deserve a safe environment, and if politics overshadows security, there will be problems,” Obaseki said.

Reflecting on his administration’s achievements, Obaseki highlighted how his team has strengthened Edo’s security architecture since 2016, positioning the state as one of Nigeria’s safest regions for living and business.

Through strategic partnerships with security agencies and heavy investment in technology, his administration documented and responded to incidents statewide, fostering a climate that attracted investors and fueled economic growth.

He attributed Edo’s improved security landscape to a collaborative approach with security agencies, urging the incoming administration to build on these foundations.

“We’ve shown it’s possible with the right people and resources. Now, we need all stakeholders on board to secure our state—and ultimately, our nation,” he added.

Obaseki’s message leaves a clear mandate for Okpebholo: put security above politics to sustain Edo State’s progress.

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Tinubu Arrives in Riyadh for Arab-Islamic Summit on Middle East Crisis

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday to attend the Joint Arab-Islamic Summit, convened to address the crisis in the Middle East.

The summit, organized at the invitation of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, will bring together leaders from across the Arab and Islamic worlds to discuss critical regional issues, with a focus on the Israel-Palestinian conflict.

Presidential Spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga stated that Tinubu, who landed at King Abdulaziz International Airport and was welcomed by Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Bin Abdulaziz, will advocate for an immediate ceasefire and emphasize Nigeria’s commitment to a peaceful resolution.

Tinubu is also expected to promote renewed international efforts to revive the two-state solution as a long-term approach to lasting peace.

“The President will highlight Nigeria’s strong call for a ceasefire and a diplomatic resolution to the conflict, and will push for renewed global focus on the two-state solution,” Onanuga explained.

The summit, set to commence on Monday, November 11, is anticipated to provide a significant platform for dialogue on pathways to stability in the region.

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Evangelist Ebuka Obi Reveals Vows of Virginity, Humility, Service

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Evangelist Ebuka Obi, the Leader of the Zion Prayer Movement Outreach, recently shared the three commitments he made to God before founding his ministry, which he regards as a prayer ground rather than a church.

In an interview with The Sun, Obi revealed that he remains a virgin and plans to uphold his vow of abstinence until marriage, a commitment inspired by advice he received as a young man from Rev. Fr. Luke Odinkemmelu.

Recalling the priest’s counsel, Evangelist Obi said, “He told me not to have sex until I marry…to maintain God’s grace.” Following this guidance, he pledged to uphold chastity and has remained true to his promise, stating, “I’ve not had sex before.”

In addition to celibacy, the clergyman vowed not to open a church of his own. “The Reverend Father instructed me not to leave the Catholic Church where I was born,” Obi explained.

While his Zion ministry reaches a large audience, he respects this advice, refraining from conducting baptisms or weddings, which he sees as church sacraments.

Finally, Obi promised not to let money drive his ministry, a principle he holds dear to avoid being “money-minded.”

These three promises—to stay chaste, avoid church leadership, and prioritize service over profit—are central to his spiritual mission and the foundation of his rapidly growing outreach.

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