The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Rivers Command, has accused Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) of operating beyond their legal duties in the state, even as the Chairman of the Drivers Welfare Association, Christopher Ezeali, is calling for the removal or redeployment of the VIO commander.

PCRC Chairman, Voke Emore, in an interview, expressed concern over increasing complaints from drivers and vehicle owners about VIO activities. He said VIOs have been stopping vehicles to demand documents such as driver’s licenses and insurance papers, tasks outside their jurisdiction, which belongs to the Police and the FRSC.

According to Emore, “VIOs are meant to focus on vehicle roadworthiness, the mechanical and electrical condition of vehicles, not on issues like insurance. The government should properly orient them on their actual duties.”

“I think the VIO should concentrate on road worthiness of the vehicle,and how the mechanic and electrical system of the vehicle is working” he added.

Mr Christopher Ezeali, Chairman of Commercial Drivers Welfare Association stated that VIOs are harassing motorists across Port Harcourt, causing traffic congestion and demanding huge sums, sometimes ₦60,000 or more. “They’ve left their proper stations at state boundaries and are now operating like FRSC and police,” he said. “This is despite a valid court order stopping them from impounding vehicles or imposing fines. If this continues, we will protest.”

Reacting, the State VIO Commander, Engr. Monibo Akobo, explained that the Rivers State Ministry of Transport has a Directorate of Road Traffic Services, made up of VIOs and Road Traffic Officers (RTOs). Akobo, who heads the directorate, clarified that most officers seen on the roads are RTOs, not VIOs, though they wear similar uniforms.

He stated that RTOs are empowered under state traffic law to check for items like fire extinguishers, insurance, and tinted permits. “It’s a state function,” he said. “Every state has its own VIO and RTO. VIOs focus on vehicle inspection.”