The FCT High Court restrains Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) from arresting or impounding privately owned vehicles not used commercially and orders refund to claimant

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has restrained the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) from arresting or impounding private vehicles that are not used for commercial purposes.

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The ruling followed a suit filed by Abuja resident, Salimon Abdulhakeem Abiodun, who challenged AMAC’s seizure of his vehicle and the imposition of multiple levies.

Delivering judgment in Suit No. CV/1157/2025, Justice Y. Halilu ruled that the seizure of Abiodun’s car was unconstitutional and a violation of his fundamental rights.

The court further declared AMAC’s monetary charges on the claimant as illegal and extortionate.

The judgment ordered AMAC to refund N120,000 to Abiodun and awarded N2.5 million in general damages. Justice Halilu also issued a restraining order preventing AMAC and its agents from seizing private vehicles not engaged in commercial activities on roads within its jurisdiction.

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Abiodun had filed the suit in March 2025, seeking legal interpretation of AMAC bye-laws and protection for private motorists against unlawful enforcement measures.