Drivers travelling along the Onitsha-Owerri Road in Anambra State have accused traffic enforcement officials of subjecting them to harassment and imposing hefty fines, with some motorists reportedly paying as much as ₦300,000.
The complaints centre on the People’s Club area of the highway, where extensive damage to the road has made movement difficult for motorists heading towards Upper Iweka.
Several drivers told our correspondent on Saturday that the poor state of the road often leaves them with no practical option but to move temporarily into the opposite lane to avoid deep potholes.
They alleged that officials of the Anambra State Road Traffic Management Agency take advantage of the situation to arrest motorists accused of committing “one way” offences.
According to the motorists, the penalties allegedly demanded by the officials range from ₦150,000 to ₦300,000, while vehicles belonging to drivers who fail to comply are sometimes impounded.
Our correspondent observed that motorists approaching the People’s Club area from Obosi often crossed into the other lane before continuing towards Upper Iweka.
The manoeuvre was reportedly necessary because some sections of the road were badly damaged, with deep potholes making it difficult for vehicles to pass safely.
Some motorists, who spoke anonymously, claimed that ARTMA officials regularly stationed themselves close to the affected section, particularly during rush hours, to apprehend drivers.
One taxi driver said, “They always jump out from a corner of the road and stop you. If you don’t pay the money they demand, they will delay you or threaten to impound your vehicle. This has become a daily routine. Sometimes, they ask you to pay as much as ₦150,000.
“It is worse for commercial buses going to Upper Iweka. They target us because they know we must take passengers to their various places of work and businesses. And they do this during peak hours. They have no conscience, especially considering that it is deep and dangerous potholes that have resulted in vehicles plying the opposite lane.
“They are not interested in finding a solution to the big dangerous potholes and bad roads along the Onitsha-Owerri Road, they are only interested in using it to cash in on the motorists.”
Another driver, who gave his name as “Mr Obinna”, said he personally experienced the enforcement.
He explained that ARTMA operatives stopped his commercial bus around the St Francis Okpoko bypass and subsequently took the vehicle to the agency’s Bridge Head office in Onitsha.
He said, “They accused me of driving against traffic, a ‘One-Way’ offence and I was fined ₦300,000. I cried out to them, saying the diversion to the opposite lane was not deliberate, that it was due to the deep and dangerous potholes near the People’s Club Bus Stop which swallow vehicles.
“The potholes are so deep that drivers are forced to divert to the other lane in order to avoid damaging their cars. That was how I found myself on the opposing lane. The ARTMA officials impounded my vehicle and at their office, they demanded a fine of ₦300,000 before the vehicle could be released.
“Following an appeal to the leadership of the agency, the fine was later reviewed downward to ₦150,000, which I paid before my vehicle was released.
“We respect the law and the work ARTMA is doing. But it is painful that we are being fined such a huge amount for an offence that is caused by the poor condition of the road itself.”
Obinna called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo and other authorities to intervene by repairing the damaged portion of the highway.
He said fixing the road would help motorists avoid dangerous diversions and reduce the likelihood of accidents and disputes with traffic officials.
Chima Nwako, another commercial driver, also appealed for urgent rehabilitation of the road, saying motorists should not be placed in a situation where avoiding potholes leads to traffic violations.
Another driver, Mr I. Ikegbu, said the poor condition of the highway had persisted for months.
“We are not supporting ‘one-way’. But government should first fix that road. Every day ARTMA officials will be there impounding vehicles and collecting heavy fines, but the dangerous potholes that are causing the ‘one-way’ are left unattended to,” Ikegbu added.
Reacting to the allegations, ARTMA Managing Director, Emeka Okonkwo, maintained that motorists who break traffic rules must face the applicable penalties.
He specifically warned motorists against driving against traffic but did not respond when asked why some motorists were reportedly being fined ₦300,000.
The allegations have also raised questions about the state’s traffic fine policy.
In 2025, Governor Soludo announced that the maximum penalty for traffic violations in Anambra would be ₦10,000, regardless of the offence, beginning October 14 of that year.
The governor disclosed the policy during a meeting with transport stakeholders at the Chuba Ikpeazu Stadium in Onitsha.
His Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, said the measure was introduced to reduce the financial burden on residents and ensure traffic enforcement was balanced with consideration for motorists’ economic difficulties.
Soludo said, “Starting from October 14, 2025, the maximum fine payable for any traffic offence in the state will be ₦10,000, regardless of the nature of the offence. The policy is designed to alleviate the economic strain on our people, particularly in a time when many are grappling with rising costs.
“Among other plans for transporters and road users, is the importance of balancing law enforcement with compassion for the everyday challenges faced by drivers and citizens alike.
“We are partners in progress. We will set a special task force and enforcement against illegal tax collectors. Anybody that collects cash should remit it to the government coffers.”
The governor had also directed that ARTMA work towards providing clearly marked and properly designated bus stops across the state.
