The Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), in collaboration with security agencies, has arrested eight individuals posing as traffic officers and extorting motorists across the Ibadan metropolis.
The arrests were carried out during a routine operation aimed at ending the menace of impersonators who deceive unsuspecting drivers by disguising as legitimate OYRTMA officials.
Major Adesagba Adekoya (rtd), Executive Chairman of OYRTMA, said the activities of the impostors have been a persistent problem, misleading motorists and creating unnecessary chaos on the roads. “We have recovered 95 vehicle number plates, ten 10-amp batteries, seventy-five 75-amp batteries, and counterfeit traffic tickets valued between 85,000 and 90,000 Naira during the operation,” he revealed.
He explained that the arrests formed part of sustained efforts to dismantle the illegal network of impostors undermining public trust in the agency. Stressing the importance of due process, he noted that OYRTMA does not issue fines arbitrarily but ensures fairness and justice through proper procedures. “The agency issues authorized identity cards to all staff to help the public distinguish genuine officers from impostors,” he stated, urging motorists to always verify the identity of any traffic officer before complying with directives.
The OYRTMA chairman further assured that the agency will continue to work closely with security operatives to arrest offenders and sustain law and order on Oyo State roads. He appealed to motorists to remain vigilant and report suspicious individuals claiming to represent OYRTMA through the agency’s official communication channels.
