80 Motorcycles Seized in Umuahia and Aba as Abia Government Enforces Ban

On Monday, 80 motorcycles were seized in Umuahia and Aba by state law‑enforcement agencies.

This action followed the Abia State Government’s ban on commercial motorcycle operations in the three metropolises of Umuahia, Aba, and Ohafia.

The government explained on Saturday that the ban on the movement of commercial motorcycles in the towns was intended to enhance the safety and security of its citizens, among other reasons.

In response to the directive, police and members of the Abia State Harmonized Task Force (ASHTF) patrolled the roads to enforce the ban.

In several parts of Umuahia and Aba, many okada operators had their bikes confiscated by the enforcement teams.

Some of the motorcycles were carrying passengers when they were stopped and seized, while others were ridden by lone operators.

Owners of impounded bikes in Umuahia claimed that they were using their motorcycles for private transportation and not for commercial purposes.

In Aba, ASHTF officers led by Uche Wogu carried out a joint enforcement exercise against offenders.

Confirming the enforcement of the ban in Aba, the ASHTF spokesperson Miracle Chukwunenye said the ban on commercial motorcycles has taken effect in the state.

“At the various enforcement locations visited, I communicated to the people, especially those whose motorcycles were impounded, that the ban on commercial motorcycles, popularly known as ‘okada,’ within the Aba, Umuahia, and Ohafia metropolises is sacrosanct and has taken effect,” Chukwunenye said.

“I further clarified that the ban applies strictly to commercial motorcycles (okada) and does not affect scooter bikes, electric bikes, or private bikes,” he added.

He advised those affected by the ban to relocate to parts of the state that are not subject to the restriction.