MOUN, TOAN accuse police of intimidation, obstructing check-off dues collection in Delta

The Motorcycle Operators Union of Nigeria (MOUN) and the Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria (TOAN) have accused operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in Delta State of intimidation and obstruction in their efforts to collect check-off dues from members across the 25 local government areas of the state. They urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Delta State Commissioner of Police to intervene.

The unions made the allegation during a joint press conference at the NUJ Warri Correspondents’ Chapel, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo Press Centre, Warri. Speaking for both unions, Deputy National President of MOUN, Comrade Julius Bobi, and TOAN Deputy State Chairman, Famous Ogbe Foghola, said police officers had been harassing, arresting, and stopping their members from carrying out their legitimate duties.

Bobi said the unions are legally recognized trade bodies, noting that MOUN is affiliated with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and TOAN with the Trade Union Congress (TUC). He alleged that the police were backing an unregistered body, the Commercial Motorcycle and Tricycle Operators Association Delta State (COMTOA), which he claimed was illegally collecting dues using the unapproved Coat of Arms.

He added that several members had been arrested and freed with NLC intervention, while others were still being prosecuted. “We’re challenging the rights of the Commercial Motorcycle and Tricycle Operators Association Delta State (COMTOA) for collection of union check off dues because the State Government doesn’t have such a constitutional mandate and never gave them (COMTOA) any,” he said.

“Rather it’s only the Federal Government that has such powers by the Exclusive legislative list of the Constitution for registered bonafide trade unions including the Motorcycle Operators Union of Nigeria (MOUN) and Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria (TOAN),” he added.

Bobi noted that while the Delta State Government has the right to collect road tax, only MOUN and TOAN are recognized by Section 17 of the Trade Unions Act to collect check-off dues. “COMTOA is not authorized to collect these dues, rendering their actions illegal. Furthermore, COMTOA’s unauthorized use of the Code of Arms is a direct affront to the Constitution and akin to a criminal act punishable by law,” he stated.

Also speaking, TOAN Deputy Chairman, Comrade Famous Ogbe Foghola, called for urgent intervention from the state government and police hierarchy to prevent the matter from escalating. He alleged that some local government chairmen benefiting from COMTOA’s “illegal collections” were using police officers to intimidate, harass, arrest, and prosecute their members.

The unions appealed to the IGP, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to intervene and ensure they can freely collect their check-off dues across the state. They encouraged members to remain calm and resist any intimidation or pressure to buy COMTOA issued tickets.

They also thanked Governor Oborevwori for approving their operations and commended his developmental efforts in the state, promising to continue supporting him ahead of the 2027 elections as they did in 2023.

Responding, Delta Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said the command was unaware of any police involvement in intimidation. He advised the unions to formally report the matter. “If they have issues with any faction, they should put their complaints in writing to the Commissioner of Police Delta State. However, in the course of collecting their revenue, when there is breakdown of law and order, the police is duty bound to respond,” he said.