Tricycle operators, commonly known as keke operators, in the Onitsha metropolis, Anambra State, have alleged arbitrary extortion of monies from them by some policemen attached to the Area Command Police Station, Onitsha.

The leadership of the tricycle (keke) operators under the aegis of Amalgamated Tricycle Union who recently met with the human rights activist, Mr. KeneChukwu Okeke, alleged that the policemen extort up to N0.5 million daily from their members who committed no criminal offence other than the installation of rear bumper guard for the protection of their tricycles.

Spokesman of the union, Mr. Emeka Ohaekelam, who led a cross section of the aggrieved keke operators, complained bitterly over their oppression by the police, and further alleged that from DMGS roundabout via Awka road, through Onitsha Main Market terminal point, they were forced to pay to different policemen manning those points who claimed to be working under the directive of the Area Commander, Area Command Police Station, Onitsha.

The human rights activist, Mr. Okeke, however, appealed to the keke operators to remain calm, and not to take the law into their hands but wait for the hierarchy of the Nigerian Police to investigate or address the issues, as justice must be done and manifestly seen to be done.

When contacted, the Inspector General of Police (IGP)’s Complaint Response Unit, confirmed receipt of the complaint lodged on behalf of the keke operators by Mr. Okeke, adding that an investigation team has been assigned the case. The tracking number of the complaint was further given as #CRU904788