Operators Risk N20,000 Fine, Bike Impoundment As Enforcement of Okada Restriction Begins in Abia

Enforcement of the ban on operations of commercial motorcycle riders, popularly called “Okada,” in the metropolitan areas of Umuahia, Aba and Ohafia of Abia State begins today, Monday, June 29, 2026.

The ban, approved by Governor Alex Chioma Otti, was announced on Saturday, June 20, 2026, through a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu.

Kanu stated that the policy forms part of government’s ongoing efforts to “strengthen security, enhance public safety, improve traffic management, and promote a more organized transportation system across the affected urban centres.”

He also announced that the Abia State Harmonized Task Force, working with security agencies, has been mandated to enforce the ban as from Monday June 22, 2026, by impounding any commercial motorcycle, or any motorcycle at all, found plying “restricted zones,” in addition to fining defaulters N50, 000.

At a post-State Executive Council meeting press briefing at Government House, Umuahia, on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, government officials had confirmed that enforcement commenced as scheduled.

But in a public advisory issued after the briefing, government reversed itself by suspending the enforcement till Monday, June 29, 2026 and slashed the fine for defaulters from N50, 000 down to NN20, 000.

Clarifying why government imposed the ban, Special Adviser on Security, Navy Commander Macdonald Uba (Rtd.), said criminals have hijacked commercial motorcycles for nefarious activities. “Criminals have taken over the Okada Space,” Uba said.

He said the ban aligns with Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution which makes security of citizens government’s primary duty, adding that the measure was proactive, urging residents to “endure the temporary hardship” for long-term safety.

In the public advisory on the regulation of commercial motorcycle (okada) operations, Kanu clarified that the commercial motorcycle operators were restricted from plying designated areas of the state, reiterating that the action was “a public safety and security measure undertaken in the overriding interest of protecting lives and property.”

“Government recognizes that thousands of hardworking citizens depend on motorcycle transportation for their livelihood, and we fully appreciate the concerns this policy may raise for affected operators and their families. As a people-centered Government, this was not an easy decision.

“However, the safety and security of our citizens must always remain paramount. No economic consideration can outweigh the value of human life. The primary responsibility of Government is to ensure that residents can live, work, and move about in a safe and secure environment.

“This policy is not directed at any ethnic group, community, or category of persons. It applies uniformly to all affected operators and is solely intended to enhance public safety, improve orderliness, and support ongoing efforts to safeguard lives across the State,” the advisory read in part.

The Commissioner assured that government was committed to implementing the policy “with fairness, professionalism, and respect for the dignity of all citizens,” adding that government was also engaging relevant stakeholders and “exploring practical measures to ease the impact on those who may be affected.”

Government, therefore, appealed to all residents, transport operators, community leaders and members of the public to remain calm, cooperate with the authorities, and support the restriction “in the collective interest of our State.”

“There is no cause for panic. This policy is about protecting lives, preserving peace, and building a safer Abia for everyone,” Kanu added.

*THE ADVISORY’S IMPORTANT IMPLEMENTATION PROVISIONS:

*Penalties shall take effect from Monday, 29th June, 2026.

*All motorcycles previously impounded may be reclaimed free of charge after forty-eight (48) hours, subject to verification and documentation requirements.

*The Twenty Thousand Naira (₦20,000) penalty shall only be enforced from Monday, 29th June, 2026.

*Any penalty amount already collected before the effective commencement date shall be refunded accordingly.

*Private motorcycles shall continue to enjoy free passage but must be duly registered and documented in the State, and are not permitted to carry any passengers.

*A toll-free public complaints system has been established to enable members of the public report any misconduct, extortion, abuse, or infractions by Task Force personnel.

Citizens Toll-Free Numbers: 0800000232 | 08001235555 | 08002225242

ASHTF Contact Numbers: 08067955559 | 08050725566 | 09122223825

*All motorcycles already impounded must first be duly registered and documented before release.

*All Commercial Motorcycle Operators must wear the officially approved Abia State-issued Identification Vest while operating within their approved jurisdictions.

*All motorcycles, tricycles (Keke), and commercial vehicles operating within Abia State must henceforth be duly registered and documented in accordance with Government regulations.