Delta Traffic Officials Arraigned for Alleged Theft and Extortion
A tricycle rider says ₦81,000 vanished after his vehicle was impounded at Otovwodo Market, and his fine tripled.
Five officials of the Delta State Traffic Management Authority (DESTMA) have been charged with theft and extortion following a complaint from a commercial tricycle rider in Ughelli, Delta State.
The charges stem from an incident involving a 44-year-old tricycle operator who alleged that ₦81,000 in cash was stolen after his vehicle was impounded by DESTMA officials at Otovwodo Market.
The victim claimed he was accused of illegal parking, leading to the seizure of his tricycle.
Initially, he was instructed to pay a ₦10,000 fine at the DESTMA office, but when he accused the officials of taking his money, the fine was increased to ₦30,000.
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The victim was reportedly directed to deposit the amount into a bank account before his tricycle would be released.
Following his report to the police, the five officials were arrested and subsequently arraigned before a High Court in Ughelli. This marks the start of legal proceedings against the officers, who face charges of extortion and criminal misconduct.
The police are yet to comment.
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