Makurdi residents cry out as VIO officers defy court order, impose fines on motorists

Public anger is mounting in Makurdi the Benue state capital after reports emerged that Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) allegedly stopped motorists and imposed fines, apparently ignoring a recent Court of Appeal ruling.

According to post by Citizen Television on Facebook, eyewitnesses stated that the incident took place on Friday near Padopas School in the High Level area, where several VIO personnel reportedly set up an unmarked checkpoint, impounded vehicles, and demanded payments from drivers.

According to observers, the officers carried out the operation without using an official patrol vehicle, prompting questions about the legitimacy of their actions.

Locals condemned the move as harassment and a blatant violation of the court order that prohibits VIO officials from halting motorists on public roads.

“This is a criminal offence after yesterday’s Court of Appeal judgement,” one witness remarked, urging authorities to intervene and stop what they described as an “illegal levy” on drivers across the state.

Residents have called on the Benue State Commissioner for Transport and other enforcement agencies to investigate the officers’ conduct.

They also appealed to Hon. Gbenda Terver to take urgent measures to halt the alleged unlawful practices.