By WARRI: The High Court of Justice, Warri, has delivered judgment in favour of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Warri Branch, effectively halting the operations of the Delta State Internal Revenue Service (DSIRS) taskforce on public roads and highways.
The case, Chief Oghenero Okoro & Anor v. Delta State Internal Revenue Service & Anor (Suit No: W/261/2023), was filed by the NBA on behalf of its members and the wider public, challenging the legality of the DSIRS’s use of roadblocks to enforce revenue collection from motorists.
In its judgment, the court declared that the DSIRS has no constitutional or statutory authority to constitute taskforces for the purpose of mounting roadblocks to collect levies or enforce payment of motor vehicle dues.
All reliefs sought by the claimants were granted, including an order for the immediate disbandment of the DSIRS taskforces and a perpetual injunction restraining the Board and its officials from further use of such enforcement mechanisms on public highways.
A representative of the NBA Warri Branch, commenting on the outcome, stated: “This judgement reaffirms the principle that public institutions must act within the bounds of the law.
“The use of roadblocks to harass citizens under the guise of revenue enforcement has no place in a civilised society.”
The Branch urged all Deltans to be vigilant and report any future attempts by DSIRS agents to resume such activities, noting that the court’s decision sets a precedent for lawful revenue administration across the state.
The ruling is seen as a significant win for motorists and a reinforcement of constitutional safeguards against arbitrary enforcement actions.
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