News

Court Orders VIO to Stop Vehicle Confiscation, Fines

Published

9 months ago

October 3, 2024

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.

Education

FG Rolls Out AI Training for Teachers to Boost Tech Education in Schools

Published

2 hours ago

July 7, 2025

Salihu Mohammed

By Rofiat Olokuta

The Federal Government has unveiled a pioneering initiative to integrate artificial intelligence (AI), into Nigeria’s public school classrooms.

Launched on July 7, 2025, the programme, Experience AI in Nigeria is set to train over 3,150 secondary school teachers across five southwestern states.

Spearheaded by NerdzFactory in partnership with the Raspberry Pi Foundation and funded by Google.org, the initiative introduces teachers to the basics of AI and machine learning.

These educators will, in turn, train more than 150,000 students, fostering early exposure to future-ready tech skills.

The hybrid training model blends online learning with hands-on workshops, ensuring inclusive participation from both urban and rural schools.

Running until December 2026, the programme marks a major step in Nigeria’s push to align its education system with global digital advancements and prepare its youth for emerging careers in technology.

News

Ex-Governor Rashidi Ladoja Set to Become Next Olubadan

Published

4 hours ago

July 7, 2025

Salihu Mohammed

By Huldah Shado

Former Oyo State Governor, Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, is on track to become the next Olubadan of Ibadanland following the death of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.

In line with Ibadan’s traditional succession system, the Olubadan stool alternates between two royal lines – Egbe Agba (civil) and Balogun (military).

With the late Oba Olakulehin coming from the Balogun line, the next monarch is expected to emerge from the Egbe Agba line, where Ladoja currently holds the position of Otun Olubadan, the most senior chief.

Ladoja, who governed Oyo State from 2003 to 2007 and previously served as a senator, has steadily climbed the traditional hierarchy.

His elevation in August 2024 to Otun Olubadan formally qualifies him for the revered throne.

He recently marked his 80th birthday in September 2024, further solidifying his legacy in both political and traditional leadership.

News

Agege LG Honours MKO Abiola with Modern Market Project

Published

4 hours ago

July 7, 2025

Salihu Mohammed

By Anifowoshe Oladipupo

Agege Local Government in Lagos has begun the construction of a modern market complex named after late statesman and 1993 presidential election winner, Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola.

The MKO Abiola Market is aimed at boosting commercial activity and providing hygienic, accessible stalls for local traders and small business owners.

At the groundbreaking ceremony, Executive Chairman Ganiyu Egunjobi described the project as a legacy initiative and a tribute to Abiola’s ideals of justice, equity, and economic empowerment.

He noted that the project, delivered through a Public-Private Partnership with Urban Shelter and Truworth Ventures, would create jobs, support businesses, and enhance the visual appeal of Agege.

Egunjobi also listed key achievements of his administration, including the construction of new classroom blocks, the establishment of Nigeria’s first CBT centre by a local government, improved healthcare services, free ambulance operations, and monthly financial aid to over 8,000 traders and artisans.

He assured residents of continuity in development efforts, with upcoming projects like a luxury estate and road rehabilitation already underway.

The MKO Abiola Market, he said, is a lasting symbol of progress and a call for residents to preserve it for future generations.