Court Strips DESTMA of Powers to Arrest, Fine Motorists

A High Court sitting in Warri has ruled that the Delta State Traffic Management Authority (DESTMA) has no legal backing to arrest motorists, confiscate vehicles or number plates, or impose fines on road users.

Justice Ejiro Emudainowho held that sections of the Delta State Traffic Management Authority Law of 2013 granting such powers contradict the 1999 Constitution, which vests judicial authority exclusively in the courts.

The judgment followed a suit filed by Chuks Christian Ofili against the Attorney-General of Delta State and DESTMA, challenging the agency’s enforcement practices.

By nullifying Section 18(1) of the law, the court affirmed that traffic violations and penalties must be handled strictly through constitutionally recognised judicial processes.