Court Stops AMAC from Seizing or Detaining Private Vehicles in Abuja

A Federal Capital Territory High Court has issued an order preventing the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) from detaining or confiscating private vehicles that are not used for business purposes on roads under its authority.

The ruling came after a resident challenged the council’s practice of arresting and seizing his car, arguing that the action was unlawful.

The judge agreed with the claimant, stating that the seizure of his vehicle violated his constitutional rights and lacked legal backing, particularly because the car was not being used commercially.

The court’s decision prohibits AMAC officials, and anyone acting on their behalf, from carrying out further arrests or confiscations of private cars within the council’s jurisdiction. It also declared that any charges previously collected from the claimant in connection with his vehicle were unlawful and ordered their refund, along with general damages.

The judgment is being seen as a strong affirmation of motorists’ rights in the Federal Capital Territory and challenges enforcement practices that target private vehicle owners.