Motorists decry Anambra agency harassment, N300,000 fines on road

Motorists on the Onitsha-Owerri Road in Anambra State have complained about harassment and unjustified fines imposed by the Anambra State Road Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA), particularly at the People's Club Bus Stop. Drivers allege that ARTMA officials are taking advantage of the poor road conditions to extort money from them, ranging from ₦150,000 to ₦300,000.

The drivers noted that the poor condition of the road, especially the deep and dangerous potholes near the People's Club Bus Stop, forces them to drive in the opposite lane, leading to heavy fines and entrapment. ARTMA officials are said to hide near the bad road portions, especially during peak hours, to demand money from drivers plying one way or those forced into the opposite lane.

One commercial bus owner, Mr Obinna, shared how he was fined ₦300,000 for allegedly driving against traffic due to the potholes, which forced him to divert. He appealed to the Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, for urgent road repairs. The ARTMA Managing Director, Emeka Okonkwo, stated that motorists must pay the fines imposed but did not elaborate on the reason for the ₦300,000 fine.