Imo State Police Command has said it has impounded over 600 motorcycles and arrested 300 operators, some of them popularly known as Okada riders, in a bid to curb the rate of crime in the State.

Addressing newsmen while inspecting the impounded motorcycles at the Command’s headquarters in Owerri on Saturday, the Police Commissioner, Aboki Danjuma said that most of the motorcycles were used by criminal elements to perpetrate crimes in the State.

The command initially banned the use of motorcycles within Owerri metropolis as part of the measures to monitor crime activities, especially where the use of motorcycles was involved.

Speaking to newsmen during the inspection exercise, CP Danjuma said a majority of those arrested for flaunting the ban order has been released as the crime is a bailable offence.

He added that those involved in using the motorcycles to commit crimes were still being interrogated and if found culpable, appropriate disciplinary sanction would be administered on them.

He disclosed that the impounded motorcycles would remain in the custody of the command pending the directive from the state government led by Sen. Hope Uzodimma.

The Imo Police boss while cautioning against flaunting security orders, said offenders would not be spared by the law while urging the citizens especially those living within the State capital to make use of recognised means of transportation in the state for their safety.

Danjuma also reassured the citizens of the Command’s commitment to guarantee their adequate safety and protection, especially during the festive period, saying, “by the special grace of God, I can assure that we are going to witness crime free yuletide season.”

He said, “Most of these motorcycles you see here were used in committing crimes such as robbery and kidnapping. And there is ban in the use of motorcycles in Owerri metropolis but some people still ply our roads with them.

“So we have impounded over six hundred motorcycles and we are not giving them back until when the state government directs.

“Also we made so many arrests. But because it is a bailable offence, some of them were granted bailable but those who committed offence with them are currently undergoing interrogations.

“Again, the Imo citizens, I am giving them the assurance that the state is safe. I am telling this to especially those who have travelled from far and near, from other countries and from states, that Imo is safe,” he added. (The Guardian)