Commercial tricycle operators in Awka, Anambra State capital, took to the streets on Thursday in a peaceful demonstration against what they described as systematic extortion by police operatives in the area.

The protest, led by Mr. Ifeanyi Okafor, Chairman of Anambra Keke Riders Forum (AKDF), highlighted grievances over the arrest of tricycle operators and impoundment of their vehicles, allegedly for lacking driver's licenses and other particulars, particularly when they refuse to pay bribes to police officers on duty.

Multiple Taxation Concerns

Osita Obi, Coordinator of the group, emphasized that the situation amounted to multiple taxation, as state revenue agents were simultaneously pursuing the same operators for rider permits.

"No Keke driver in Anambra today has driver's license, except those who have cars amongst them. Already, state government revenue agents are also troubling them over riders permit, and I think this is multiple taxation," Obi stated during the protest.

Police Response

CSP Uche Noah, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of 'B' Division in Awka, addressed the protesters and ordered the immediate release of all impounded tricycles as a resolution to the immediate issue.

However, the DPO maintained that complete vehicle particulars remain mandatory for tricycle operators, explaining that proper documentation assists with identification in robbery cases and other security concerns.

Acknowledging the concerns about multiple taxation, CSP Noah indicated he would allow time for the state government to harmonize its tax structure to prevent overlapping financial burdens on the tricycle operators.

The protest highlights ongoing tensions between transportation workers and law enforcement in Anambra State, as well as broader issues of taxation policy and enforcement that affect small-scale commercial operators throughout the region.