21 vehicles impounded in Abuja over traffic infractions

Twenty 21 vehicles have been impounded following the directive of the  Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Muhammad Musa Bello, to the security agencies to prosecute traffic offenders.

The security agencies on Monday deployed about 100 personnel to arrest traffic violators.

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Mr Wadata Bodinga, Director, Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), stated this on Monday during an inspection visit to a mobile court set up to prosecute traffic offenders in the FCT.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Minister of FCT, Muhammad Bello, on February 26 flagged-off a ministerial action against traffic violation.

The ministerial taskforce team comprises of men of the Nigeria Police Force, Directorate of Road Traffic Services, Federal Road Safety Corps and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

It has a mandate to ensure compliance with all traffic rules and regulations by road users.

The DRTS boss said that officers and men of the taskforce had been deployed to ensure that the directives of the FCT minister to ensure sane roads in the territory were strictly adhered to.

“Some offenders were apprehended on Monday and taken to the mobile courts. At this mobile court, there were about 21 vehicles impounded due to several road traffic offenses and still counting.

“The owners of the vehicles are before the Magistrate to have their fines, penalties and court judgement as the case may be,’’ he said.

He stressed that it was important to note that anyone found guilty of traffic offenses would undergo a compulsory two weeks emotional evaluation.

“Aside of fines, anybody who beats traffic lights, uses a phone while driving, drives against traffic flow or drives dangerously, will go for emotional evaluation.

“Such persons must undergo a compulsory two-week lecture so that they will be accustomed with the rules and regulations guiding driving in this city.

“I cannot imagine someone in his emotional sense or right state of mind will beat traffic lights or drive against traffic flow,’’ he said. (NAN)

According to Bodinga, a deliberate preparation took place on Feb. 28 with officers and men of the security agencies at Eagle Square to prepare them for the road operation.

He charged men of the taskforce to be civil and avoid excessive chase of offenders to avoid crashes.

“We have to find a tactical way and approach to get the cooperation of motorists.

“In a situation where you cannot arrest an offender if he drives off, the bike riders can ensure they copy his plate number for further enforcement,’’ he said. (NAN)