The Director-General of the Delta State Traffic Management Authority (DESTMA), Dr Benjamin Okiemute has raised alarm over attacks on traffic officers by reckless accused reckless motorists thereby undermining road safety enforcement across the state.
He also accused purveyors of fake social media narratives of misleading the public over the operations of traffic officers
At a news briefing in DESMA headquarters Asaba, on the activities and legal mandate of the Authority, Dr Okiemute said the agency remained committed to ensuring free flow of traffic, road sanity and disciplined driving culture on federal and state roads in Delta State.
The Director-General, however, expressed concern over what he described as “dangerous and lawless conduct” by some traffic offenders who allegedly attempt to flee arrest with officers trapped inside their vehicles.
He cited an incident that occurred on May 21, 2026, along the Effurun axis, where a Toyota Highlander driver allegedly sped off after being stopped for route violation, with Officer Wisoro inside the vehicle.
According to him, the driver later crashed into a roadside billboard while attempting to evade arrest.
The DESTMA boss dismissed allegations circulating on social media that the officer struggled with the driver over the steering wheel, insisting the accident was caused solely by the driver’s reckless speeding and panic.
He said a viral video posted online only captured the aftermath of the incident and misrepresented the actual sequence of events, adding that police officers from B-Division intervened to rescue the trapped officer and restore order.
The agency also warned against the deliberate spread of false information online, stressing that individuals posting misleading videos or narratives against public officers could face prosecution under Section 24 of the Cybercrimes Act.
DESTMA disclosed that its legal team had been directed to work with security agencies to investigate and prosecute persons found guilty of spreading false and inflammatory content against the Authority and its personnel.
The Director-General further condemned growing incidents of mob attacks and assaults on traffic officers, saying several personnel had sustained severe injuries while carrying out their lawful duties.
He reiterated that DESTMA maintains a zero-tolerance policy against corruption and misconduct, revealing that two officers in Agbor were currently under investigation for alleged operational infractions.
He urged members of the public to stop offering bribes to traffic officers and instead report any cases of extortion or unprofessional conduct through official complaint channels.
The Authority also dismissed claims circulating online that a High Court ruling had stripped DESTMA of the power to arrest traffic offenders or impound vehicles.
According to the Director-General, the Delta State Traffic Management Law of 2013 clearly empowers the agency to enforce traffic regulations, arrest offenders, impound vehicles and remove road obstructions across the state.
He called on local government authorities and residents to continue supporting DESTMA Marshals in the discharge of their duties while reporting any cases of abuse of authority.
The DESTMA boss assured residents that the agency would continue to enforce traffic laws firmly, fairly and professionally, stressing that attacks on officers, reckless driving and misinformation campaigns against the Authority would no longer be tolerated.
He also commended Deltans for increasing compliance with road safety measures such as seatbelt use and obedience to traffic lights, noting that such cooperation aligns with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda aimed at promoting safer roads and better living conditions across the state.
By; Sam Erhunmwunsee, Radio Nigeria Asaba.
