The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Rivers State Command, has raised concerns over the activities of Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) in the state, accusing them of operating beyond their legal mandate.
Chairman of the PCRC in Rivers State, Voke Emore, voiced his frustration in an interview, saying the actions of VIOs have triggered widespread complaints from both commercial and private vehicle owners.
“I am worried about the activities of VIOs in Rivers State. It is sad, a lot of drivers have complained about them apprehending vehicles and demanding vehicle papers and driver’s licenses — duties that fall within the responsibilities of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Nigeria Police.
“VIOs are overstepping their boundaries. The government needs to give them proper orientation. Asking for insurance papers, for example; what does that have to do with a vehicle’s roadworthiness? They should focus on ensuring vehicles are mechanically and electrically sound,” Emore said.
Echoing similar concerns, the Chairman of the Commercial Drivers’ Welfare Association in Rivers State, Christopher Ezeali, called for the removal or redeployment of the state VIO commander, warning of potential protests.
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“Their work is clearly defined, yet the harassment and exploitation on our roads continue daily. VIOs are meant to operate at state boundaries, not inside city streets where they now cause traffic congestion and demand ₦60,000 or more from motorists,” Ezeali alleged.
“Visit Waterlines under the flyover, Abacha Road, and Oyigbo, they now demand items like fire extinguishers, jack, wheel spanner, tinted glass permits, all outside their purview.
“Despite a court order restraining them from impounding vehicles or imposing fines, they continue unchecked. The Rivers State Government must act before this spirals out of control.”
Responding to the allegations, the State Commander of the VIO, Engr. Monibo Akobo, clarified that what many perceive as VIOs on the streets are actually Road Traffic Officers (RTOs), who operate under the Ministry of Transport.
“The Directorate of Road Traffic Services under the Ministry of Transport includes both VIOs and Road Traffic Officers. I serve as both the Chief VIO and Chief RTO,” Akobo explained.
“The officers people see on the roads, though they wear similar uniforms are often RTOs, not VIOs, you can tell by checking their badges. These officers are empowered by the Rivers State Road Traffic Law to check for items like fire extinguishers, insurance, and tinted glass permits.
“They are also authorized to apprehend traffic offenders and issue fines under state law. This is a state matter, not a federal one.”
The controversy has reignited calls for clear role definitions and better inter-agency coordination to reduce road harassment and improve traffic regulation in Rivers State.
