Court Bars AMAC from Arresting Private Vehicles in Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory High Court has barred the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) from arresting or confiscating private vehicles not engaged in commercial activity within its jurisdiction.
In suit No: CV/1157/2025, filed by Abuja resident Salimon Abdulhakeem Abiodun against AMAC and its chairman, Justice Y. Halilu delivered judgment on February 4, 2026, declaring AMAC’s actions unlawful, oppressive, and a violation of the claimant’s fundamental right to property.
The court issued an order prohibiting AMAC and its agents from arresting or confiscating private vehicles not used for commercial purposes on Abuja roads. The court also granted a declaration that the arrest and seizure of the claimant’s vehicle (Chassis No. 5TDZA23C75S264195, Plate No. KWL‑63CE) was unlawful and oppressive. The courts also ordered AMAC to refund ₦120,000 unlawfully collected from the claimant between 2023 and 2025 as “mobile advert” and ticketing fees. The court awarded ₦2.5 million in general damages to the claimant.
Justice Halilu further held that the forceful collection of fees by AMAC amounted to extortion, and that the council acted outside the scope of its bye‑laws.
The case, filed in March 2025, sought judicial interpretation of AMAC’s bye‑laws and challenged the legality of its enforcement practices against private vehicle owners.
