Lagos Govt Warns Motorists Against Disobeying VIO Officers, Says Offenders Will Be Arrested

The Lagos State Ministry of Justice has clarified that motorists who disobey or assault Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) officers on Lagos roads will face arrest and prosecution, distancing the state from a recent Court of Appeal ruling concerning the powers of Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) in Abuja.

In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro, the ministry addressed what it described as a “viral report of misrepresentation” of a judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal Abuja Division. The appellate court had affirmed an earlier ruling of the Federal High Court concerning the powers of VIO officials operating in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Justice Evelyn Maha of the Federal High Court, Abuja, had ruled in 2025 that certain respondents — including the Director of Road Transport, the Team Leader, the Area Commander Jabi, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory — were not empowered by any law applicable in the FCT to stop, impound, confiscate vehicles, or impose fines on motorists. The court consequently restrained VIO officials in Abuja from carrying out such enforcement actions.

However, the Lagos State Government emphasized that the judgment applies specifically to the FCT and is not of general or nationwide effect. According to the ministry, Nigeria operates a federal system in which states retain legislative authority over certain residual matters, including vehicle inspection and traffic management.

“The judgment, though binding, is not of general application,” the statement noted, explaining that only parties to the suit and jurisdictions without statutory backing for VIO operations—such as the FCT—are directly affected.

The ministry stressed that Lagos State has its own statutory framework regulating the activities of its Vehicle Inspection Service. As such, VIS officers in Lagos remain legally empowered under state laws to enforce compliance with vehicle safety and roadworthiness standards.

Lawal Pedro further warned that motorists should not be misled by what he described as inaccurate interpretations of the court rulings circulating online. He reiterated that any driver who disobeys lawful directives or assaults a VIS officer in the course of official duty would be subject to arrest and prosecution.

“The Lagos State Government will continue to ensure that all transport and traffic enforcement activities are conducted strictly in accordance with the laws and regulations, with civility and respect to road users,” the statement added.

The clarification has sparked mixed reactions among members of the public. Some motorists argue that enforcement agencies often focus disproportionately on private vehicle owners while overlooking visibly unroadworthy commercial buses. Others contend that strict enforcement is necessary to improve safety and discipline on Lagos roads.

Legal analysts note that the controversy highlights the distinction between federal and state powers within Nigeria’s constitutional framework. While the Federal High Court ruling affects enforcement in Abuja, states with enabling legislation can continue to operate their inspection regimes unless successfully challenged in court.

For now, Lagos authorities maintain that VIS operations in the state remain lawful and fully backed by state legislation, urging motorists to comply with officers and seek legal redress through the courts rather than confront enforcement personnel on the roads.