Port Harcourt: Bus Drivers Protest Over Extortion
Port Harcourt: Bus Drivers Protest Over Extortion
By: Ibinabo Tom-West & Destiny Tamunoala Emmanuel
Commercial activities were partially disrupted in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, as bus drivers under the aegis of the Commercial Drivers Welfare Association (CDWA) staged a peaceful protest over what they described as persistent and unlawful extortion by both Police operatives and touts, popularly known as “Agbero.”
The drivers, many of whom operate along the Aba Road axis from Lagos Bus Stop to Eleme Junction, marched to the Rivers State Government House and the State Police Command headquarters to register their grievances.
They alleged that multiple police checkpoints along the route compel them to pay about ₦200 at each stop, regardless of having complete vehicle documents. According to the drivers, refusal to comply often leads to harassment, including passengers being offloaded, vehicles delayed, or temporarily impounded.
In addition, the protesters decried the rising activities of touts across major junctions in the city, accusing them of forcefully collecting illegal levies. They claimed that drivers who resist are subjected to intimidation, damage to their vehicles, or physical confrontation.
The drivers, who withdrew their vehicles from operation, marched on foot from areas around Eleme Junction through Azikiwe Road, converging at the front of the Rivers State Government House before proceeding toward Moscow Road to formally present their complaints at the Police Command headquarters.
Clutching placards with inscriptions such as “Agboro must go,” “Say no to multiple taxation,” and “Government should ban multiple taxation in Rivers State,” the protesters called for urgent government intervention.
Speaking during the protest, the CDWA Chairman, Christopher Ezeali, popularly known as “Obele,” expressed frustration over the situation.
“We work like elephants and eat like ants. We are tired of our security. We seek police cooperation.
We want them to prosecute those behind these illegal activities and allow us work in peace,” he said.
The protest followed an earlier formal notice by the association through its legal representatives, detailing widespread extortion across areas such as Rumuola, Rumuokoro, Garrison, Mile 1 and Mile 2, where individuals allegedly parade as task force officials to impose multiple levies and seize vehicles.
At the Government House, an official addressed the protesting drivers and told them their complaints would be forwarded to Governor Fubara for action.
Also, a representative of the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga A. Adepoju, assured the protesters that their concerns would be addressed.
“The Command acknowledges your complaints and will look into the issues raised. We urge continued peaceful engagement as necessary actions will be taken,” the representative said.
Some drivers who participated in the protest shared their experiences. Mr. John Paul said, “Every day we pay at different points. If you refuse, they delay you or seize your bus. It is affecting our income.”
Ibrahim Sani also noted, “The harassment is too much. We want to work freely without intimidation.”
The protest ended peacefully under the watch of security personnel, as the drivers called for decisive action to end illegal taxation and restore sanity on the roads.
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