…vows to arrest, prosecute offenders

The Enugu State government has restated that the law prohibiting the use of motorcycles, popularly called okada, in the state’s capital was still effective, saying it had already constituted a taskforce that would arrest and prosecute those violating the law.

This development was disclosed by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Emeka Ajogwu who said the government was worried about the growing outcry by members of the public on the indiscriminate use of motorcycles in the city.

In a press statement personally signed by the Commissioner on Thursday, Ajogwu said the government would not fold its arms and watch the indiscriminate use of motorcycles, reminding the public that the law was still much in operation as offenders risked one year imprisonment and forfeiture of their motorcycles.

“The State Government has observed with grave concern the growing and indiscriminate use of motorcycles by some outlaws in the capital city even when they are aware that there is an existing law prohibiting that.

“Our office has received series of enquiries from members of the public expressing fears over their safety due to the reckless manner in which these offenders are driving their motorcycles within Enugu metropolis.

“Such illegal act must cease henceforth as violators of our laws will be dealt with according to the provisions of the extant law. The state has set up a committee to curb this illegality and punish offenders.

“For the avoidance of doubt, section 3 and section 4 of the Operation of Motorcycles (Prohibition) Law, 2012, prohibit the use of motorcycles in all its forms in Enugu North, Enugu South and Enugu East local government areas of the state, and prescribe the punishment for offenders.

“Therefore, we shall not hesitate to enforce this law to the letters. Members of the public, especially the violators are hereby warned accordingly to desist from the criminal act,” part of the statement reads.