Port Harcourt resident, Osagi Sylvester had raised an alarm that some individuals, who claimed to be affiliated with the Rivers State task force, extort motorists around the Garrison and Waterlines flyover. In an interview with our reporter, Mr. Sylvester said he was intercepted by these ununiformed men and was accused of violating traffic rules because his vehicle contained tires instead of passengers. He said his vehicle was seized, his battery was forcefully removed, and he was made to pay N8500 before his vehicle was released to him. Mr. Sylvester revealed that the ununiformed men worked from a tent-covered office by the roadside. He called on the people and Rivers State Government to look into the unlawful extortion and harassment of citizens by some men alleged to be officials of the state task force.
In reacting to this, the coordinator of the Rivers State Task Force on Illegal Trading and Motor Parts Felix Nwadibe is asking motorists to report and assist in arresting impostors of officials of the task force. Speaking with our reporter, Mr. Nwadibe said some of those extorting motorists, particularly in Rumuokoro, Garrison, and Waterlines flyovers are former task force members who were dismissed for misconduct. Mr. Nwadibe said the task force is faced with the challenge of hoodlums impersonating its officials to harass and extort motorists.
coordinator of the Rivers State Task Force on Illegal Trading and Motor Parts, Mr. Felix Nwadibe
Mr. Nwadibe stressed that those boys extorting are not his boys. He therefore urges the public to in group hold hostage if they come across such boys until the arrival of the police, and if they go to the police and there is a need for his statement, he will gladly go there and make a statement that those boys are not his boys.
The coordinator of the Rivers State Task Force Felix Nwadibe also explained how to recognize legitimate members of the Rivers State Task Force. He said any group operating with any vehicle rather than their Ford Rangers Peacock is illegal, adding that his boys always go on the convoy, and those hoodlums impersonating their officials will be arrested and persecuted.
