RismadarVoice Reporters
June 18, 2026
Commercial tricycle operators in Warri, Delta State, on Wednesday staged a protest over alleged harassment, extortion, and unlawful arrests by police officers operating in the area.
The protesters marched to the headquarters of the Delta State Board of Internal Revenue (DBIR), where they demanded explanations over concerns that their registered number plates were allegedly not reflected in official records, a situation they claim has exposed them to repeated confrontations with law enforcement officers.
During the demonstration, the riders occupied one lane of the busy airport road, chanting solidarity songs and displaying placards with inscriptions such as: “License Office, tell us why our number plates are not registered in your system,” and “Police, leave Keke riders alone.”
The operators accused some police officers in Warri and surrounding communities of carrying out arbitrary arrests and demanding payments of up to N10,000 before releasing impounded tricycles.
They warned that continued neglect of their grievances could escalate tensions if relevant authorities fail to intervene.
Speaking during the protest, one of the riders, who identified himself as a member of the Eyekpimi family of Okere-Urhobo community, argued that tricycle operators should not be held responsible for alleged discrepancies involving vehicle registration records.
According to him, the riders obtained their number plates through the appropriate government channels and should not be subjected to arrest over issues beyond their control.
He appealed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to investigate the matter, expressing concerns that the state government might not be fully aware of the challenges faced by commercial tricycle operators in the area.
“We obtained our number plates through the licensing office. If there are irregularities in the registration process, the authorities should investigate those responsible rather than penalising innocent operators trying to earn a living,” he said.
Another protester, Jeffery Awhe Akioja, alleged that tricycle operators are burdened by multiple levies and charges in addition to the reported police demands.
He noted that many riders acquired their tricycles through hire-purchase arrangements worth millions of naira and are struggling to meet repayment obligations amid economic difficulties.
Akioja claimed that operators whose tricycles are impounded are often required to pay N10,000 before regaining access to their vehicles, regardless of whether they possess valid registration documents.
He called on authorities to address what he described as persistent harassment by officers attached to various police divisions within Warri and its environs.
Another rider, Wisdom Omoteh, recounted an encounter with police officers, alleging that he was detained despite presenting valid vehicle documents during an inspection.
The protesters maintained that any issues relating to vehicle registration should be addressed through the appropriate government agencies rather than through arrests and penalties imposed on commercial operators.
They urged the Delta State Government, the police authorities, and the Board of Internal Revenue to investigate the allegations and provide a lasting solution to the concerns raised by tricycle operators across the state.
