Benin – Gov. Adams Oshiomhole of Edo on Wednesday in Benin directed
the arrest of two members of staff of the disbanded Edo State Traffic
Management Agency (EDSTMA) for fraud.
Oshiomhole gave the directive when he paid a surprise visit to the operational office of the agency.
The officials were caught in possession of fake and illegal receipts and other incriminating documents.
He said that the agency was riddled with fraud and fraudulent activities, adding that it would remain disbanded.
“ The government had received lots of complaints from both government
officials and members of the public concerning the illegal activities
and extortion by members of the disbanded agency.
“ Our visit to this office has confirmed all the allegations against
EDSTMA, as we have seen some fake receipts that had been issued as well
as a fake list of traffic offences.
“ We have also discovered from the responses of some of the so called
officials of the agency interrogated that they neither have employment
letters nor even identification cards.
“ I want to say it here again that we have since disbanded EDSTMA;
hence anybody they stop should take them to the nearest police station.
“ We will, immediately, set up a committee that will commence the
prosecution of any person claiming to be an EDSTMA staff’’, he said.
Oshiomhole who also appealed to the public not to part with money to
any person under the guise of traffic manager, said that government was
poised to manage traffic and not dehumanise the people.
“ Government will not accept thuggery in this state, just as
government did not mandate the agency to collect any money on its
behalf, cash collected are illegal’’, he said.
The governor then directed that all vehicles impounded by the agency
be released to their owners and monies collected from road users be
refunded.
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