Police order arrest, prosecution of traffic offenders in Enugu

Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa.

The Enugu State Police Command has ordered the immediate enforcement of traffic laws across the state, directing its officers to arrest and prosecute motorists who violate existing regulations.

The command said the directive followed the increasing disregard for traffic rules by motorists, which had resulted in traffic gridlock, disruption of free movement, road crashes, loss of lives and destruction of property.

The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Giwa, issued the directive in line with the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu’s, directive on nationwide enforcement of traffic laws.

The police said the enforcement was aimed at restoring order on Nigerian roads and safeguarding lives and property.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday.

According to the statement, Giwa directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, the command’s Legal Officer and the State Traffic Officer to ensure professional enforcement of the directive.

The officers were also directed to ensure the arrest and prosecution of traffic offenders in accordance with existing laws and regulations.

The statement partly read, “The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has directed the immediate enforcement of all existing traffic laws and regulations across the State following the rampant disregard for traffic regulations by motorists, which has resulted in avoidable gridlock, disruption of traffic flow, road crashes, loss of lives and destruction of property.

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“The directive is in line with the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, directive on the nationwide enforcement of traffic laws to restore order on Nigerian roads and safeguard lives and property.”

However, the police commissioner cautioned officers involved in the enforcement against violating the rights and dignity of motorists and other road users.

He also directed that the enforcement be carried out professionally and in accordance with the law.

Giwa urged motorists, including police officers and other security personnel, to familiarise themselves with traffic regulations and comply with them to avoid arrest and prosecution.

He said strict compliance with traffic laws was essential to reducing congestion, preventing road crashes and ensuring free movement of vehicles across the state.

The statement added, “CP Giwa urges all motorists, including police officers and other security personnel, to familiarise themselves with and strictly obey traffic laws to avoid arrest and prosecution.

“He emphasises that strict compliance with traffic regulations remains essential to reducing congestion, preventing road crashes, and ensuring the free flow of traffic across the State.”

The command said the enforcement would cover existing traffic laws and regulations applicable to motorists across the state.