Freedom for Abuja Private Car Owners: Court Bars AMAC from Seizing Private Vehicles

 

​In a landmark judgment that has sparked widespread relief across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), a High Court has officially barred the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) from arresting or seizing private vehicles not used for commercial purposes. On February 4, 2026, Justice Y. Halilu delivered a decisive ruling in a suit that challenged the council's long-standing habit of harassing private motorists under the guise of bye-law enforcement. This judgment reinforces the protection of fundamental human rights and sets a strict legal boundary for local government authorities who have frequently been accused of overstepping their jurisdiction on Abuja roads.

​The Case: Salimon Abdulhakeem Abiodun vs. AMAC

​The legal battle began in March 2025 when an Abuja resident, Salimon Abdulhakeem Abiodun, filed a suit (No: CV/1157/2025) against AMAC and its chairman. The claimant sought justice after his private car, registered with plate number KWL-63CE, was forcefully confiscated by council agents.

​Abiodun argued that his vehicle was strictly for personal use and that he was under no legal obligation to pay for daily ticketing or "mobile advert" fees, which are typically reserved for commercial transporters. The claimant’s legal team emphasized that the constant harassment and subsequent towing of the vehicle violated his fundamental right to own private property as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution.

​The Judgment: AMAC Lacks Legal Authority

​In his ruling, Justice Y. Halilu sided entirely with the claimant, declaring the actions of AMAC as "unlawful, oppressive, and a clear violation" of the law. The court made several key pronouncements that effectively change how AMAC can operate on the streets of Abuja:

1. ​Permanent Prohibition: The court issued an order prohibiting AMAC, its agents, and partners from arresting the claimant’s vehicle or any other private vehicle not being used for commercial purposes.
2. ​Illegal Confiscation: The judge declared that the previous arrest and confiscation of Abiodun's car were without legal justification.
3. ​Financial Restitution: In a move to deter future misconduct, the court awarded N2.5 million in general damages in favor of the claimant, to be paid by AMAC.

​Ending the "Mobile Advert" Fee Trap

​For years, private car owners in Abuja have complained about being flagged down by AMAC agents demanding "mobile advert" fees simply because their cars had company logos or were perceived to be "business-related." This court victory clarifies that bye-laws intended for commercial revenue cannot be weaponized against private citizens.

​The judgment echoes a similar legal trend in the FCT, following the recent Court of Appeal ruling that also barred the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) from impounding vehicles or imposing fines. Together, these judicial decisions are dismantling the culture of "roadside extortion" that has plagued the nation's capital, ensuring that motorists can move freely without the fear of unlawful impoundment.

​What This Means for Abuja Motorists

​This ruling serves as a powerful shield for every private car owner within the Abuja Municipal Area Council. If you are driving a private vehicle for non-commercial reasons, AMAC agents no longer have the legal backing to stop, harass, or tow your car for "ticketing" issues. Legal experts are advising motorists to keep a copy of such landmark judgments or news reports handy as a tool for self-advocacy when confronted by overzealous agents on the road.

​Conclusion: A Victory for the Rule of Law

​The judgment by Justice Y. Halilu is a significant win for the rule of law in Nigeria. By awarding damages and issuing a perpetual injunction against AMAC, the court has sent a clear message: local government authorities must operate within the ambit of the law. As the FCT moves toward a more structured and rights-respecting traffic management system in 2026, this case will stand as a pivotal moment for citizen empowerment.