{
  "id": 5842904,
  "title": "Motorists decry Anambra agency harassment, N300,000 fines on road",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/05/motorists-decry-anambra-agency-harassment-n300-000-fines-on-road-5842904",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-05T21:50:25.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/motorists-decry-anambra-agency-harassment-n300000-fines-on-road/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Motorists traversing the congested Onitsha-Owerri Road in Anambra State have expressed their discontent over the persistent harassment and imposition of \"unjustifiable\" fines by officials of the Anambra State Road Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA), particularly in the challenging sections of the road close to the People’s Club Bus Stop. Interviewed motorists alleged that ARTMA officials were leveraging the poor road condition to extort varying amounts, from ₦150,000 to ₦300,000, from private motorists, taxi and commercial bus drivers using the highway to the Upper Iweka end. The drivers complained that deep and dangerous potholes along the road, especially near the People’s Club Bus Stop, forced them to drive in the opposite lane, leading to hefty fines and what they called a \"double tragedy.\" Observations from the scene showed motorists diverting near the People’s Club to the opposite lane to bypass the hazardous potholes. Most drivers who spoke on anonymity said traffic officials were stationed daily at the problematic road segments, especially during peak hours, where they demanded money from drivers. Some officials were also reported to impound vehicles if payment was not made. The drivers accused ARTMA of concentrating solely on enforcement and fines instead of addressing the road conditions that were compelling drivers to use the opposite lane. One taxi driver stated that officials would often hide near the problematic road portions to stop and fine drivers, demanding up to ₦150,000. Another victim, Mr Obinna, a commercial bus owner, recounted how his vehicle was intercepted at St Francis Okpoko bypass of the Onitsha-Owerri Road and taken to ARTMA office at Bridge Head, Onitsha, where he was fined ₦300,000 for driving against traffic due to the dangerous potholes. The fine was later reduced to ₦150,000 upon appeal. Mr Obinna appealed to Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, and other agencies for urgent repairs to the Onitsha-Owerri Road to prevent accidents and unwarranted arrests. Another driver, Chima Nwako, called for immediate road repairs to avoid \"one-way\" driving, reduce traffic congestion, and prevent accidents.",
  "summary": "Motorists on Onitsha-Owerri Road decry Anambra traffic agency harassment and N300,000 fines for one-way driving caused by bad roads. Learn more. Read More: https://punchng.com/motorists-decry-anambra-agency-harassment-n300000-fines-on-road/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "Motorists decry Anambra agency harassment, N300,000 fines on road",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/05/motorists-decry-anambra-agency-harassment-n300-000-fines-on-road",
        "published": "2026-09-05T21:44:25.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}