- It was a show of shame and disgrace as officials of the Delta State Traffic Management Authority DESTMA, that allegedly attempt to illegally extort money from a motorcycle rider also known as Okada rider and market women hard a free fight in Ughelli, headquarters of Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State.
- The shameful fight between uniform men the Okada riders and market women occurred at the popular Otovwodo junction when an Okada man refused to be extorted by an official of the DESTMA.
- An eyewitness reported that the trouble started when one of the okada rider who was flagged down by an official of the DESTMA for particulars check defiles his orders.
- The eyewitness who pleaded anonymity, narrated that the refusal of the okada man who was already on motion to stop abruptly vexed the uniform DESTMA official also known as ‘Okawa police’ to push the rider and his passenger to the ground inflicting grievous injuries on both the rider and his passenger.
- Angered by this action he noted, “the okada man upon standing up with his injuries engaged the official, but other DESTMA official gathered to beat him mercilessly warranting market women who were watching with anger to join hand with the Okada rider and his passenger to fight back the DESTMA officials who threatened to let heaven loosed.
- A source who identifies himself as David Okohwake described the actiins of the officials of DESTMA as illegal, asked if the DESTMA officials are police or road safety officers that asked for vehicle particulars.
- They accused the DESTMA officials of disguising with plane uniform and even pretend as passengers and stop bikes, but at the end jumped on front of the Okada to demand exorbitant fine ranging from N50, 000 and above.Â
- “They are always stationed at Otovwodo and Omotor junctions in Ughelli laying siege for motorcycle riders to be arrested if their instant demands are not meant.
- “If there is any law that allows them to stop and ask for particulars, does that law limit them to market places only in Ughelli or motorcycle riders only.
- “It is the duty of the police to stop and demand for vehicle particulars, if they suspect something but in this case, DESTMA Officials are taking over the duties of the police and Road Safety.”
- Efforts to speak with the Ughelli North DESTMA DG, Desmond Adu, was not successful as calls and terse messages sent to him were not replied nor returned as at the time of filing this report
