The Lagos State government has said the High Court judgment barring the Vehicle Inspection Services (VIO) from contravening and imposing fines on vehicle owners does not apply in the state.
Transportation Commissioner Oluwaseun Osiyemi explained that while no law empowers the VIO in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to impose fines, stop or impound vehicles, Lagos State has the Transport Sector Reform Law (TSRL) 2018, which empowers the state’s VIOs to impose penalties on errant motorists.
He said: “The judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja bars the Directorate of Vehicle Inspection Services (otherwise called VIO) from further stopping, impounding or confiscating vehicles and imposing fines on motorists, and whether the VIO in Lagos State or that of other states would be affected by the decision. It is important to note and be informed that in law, a court has the limits to its territorial jurisdiction and in this case the judgment is restricted to Abuja.”
The commissioner explained the rationale behind the judgment of Justice Evelyn Maha in the fundamental rights enforcement suit that birthed the judgment.
“In Lagos State, there is the Transport Sector Reform Law of Lagos State (TSRL-2018). Part II, sections 11 to 22 of the law stipulate the establishment, duties and power of VIO in the state with the penalties or fines that can be imposed for traffic violations, as contained in schedule of the law (violations-1-52).
The decision of the Federal High Court in Abuja on VIO is inapplicable in Lagos State,” he said.
