Five arrested officials of the Delta State Traffic Management Authority, DESTMA in Ughelli North, have been charged to court for alleged conspiracy and stealing, in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The suspects, Oghenekioja Samuel, 24, Anakpoha Louis Oghogho,39, Sibisaba Raymond, 37, Udi Jeremiah,39 and Erutabor Sunday Esharenena, 44, all male, were arraigned in a two count charges at a Magistrate Court in Ughelli by the Delta State Commissioner of Police for allegedly stealing the sum of Eighty six thousand naira (N86,000) belonging to one Mr Sylvester Ayonuwe.
It would be recalled that in January 22, 2025, Mr Sylvester Ayonuwe, a tricycle rider was arrested and his tricycle impounded for alleged wrong parking by the DESTMA officials at Otovwodo.
In attempt to resolve the issue, his tricycle was impounded and taken to their office where he was allegedly authorized to pay N10,000 as fine and another N20,000 for accusing DESTMA officials for stealing.
It was learned that the money was paid into a Zenith bank and Mr Sylvester Ayonuwe went to report the matter at Ughelli A’ division which led to their invitation and detention by the police.
A security source from the Ughelli Area Command, disclosed that the have been charged for alleged conspiracy and stealing of money belonging the tricycle rider.
According to the two count charges, COUNT I: “That you Oghenekioja Samuel ‘m’, Anakpoha Louis Oghogho ‘m’, Sibisaba Raymond ‘m’, Udi Jeremiah ‘m’ and Erutabor Sunday Esharenena ‘m’ on the 22nd day of January, 2025 at Otovwodo Junction Ughelli in the Ughelli Magisterial district did conspired among yourselves to commit felony to wit: Stealing and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 516 of criminal code cap C21 Vol. 1. Laws of Delta State of Nigeria 2006.
COUNT II: “That you Oghenekioja Samuel ‘m’ and Erutabor Sunday Esharenena ‘m’ on the 22nd day of January, 2025 at Otovwodo Junction Ughelli in the Ughelli Magisterial district did steal the cash sum of Eight-Six Thousand naira (N86,000.00) from a tricycle pigeon hole belonging to one Sylvester Ayonuvwie ‘m’ and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 390 (9) of criminal code cap C21 Vol. 1. Laws of Delta State of Nigeria 2006.
Efforts to contact the Director of DESTMA, Ughelli Office was not successful as terse message sent to his mobile phone were not replied as at the time of this report.
