Sapele council introduced strict rules for okada and keke riders to enhance community safety.
Operators must wear ID vests, obey time limits, and risk detention for violations.
The Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State has announced new operational regulations for commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators, introducing stricter safety and identification measures within the council area.
In a statement signed by the council’s secretary, Hon. Raymond Overah, and released to journalists in Warri on Thursday, October 2, the local government said the new guidelines aim to strengthen public safety, improve orderliness, and regulate transport activities in the area.
According to the statement, the directive will take effect 30 days from now. It restricts commercial motorcycle operations to between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. daily, while requiring all riders to wear reflective vests with clear identification numbers.
The council also prohibited the use of face masks by okada riders during working hours, noting that any violator would be arrested immediately.
For tricycle operators, the operating period has been set from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. All keke operators are required to display a valid Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) number on their tricycles, and passengers are urged to board only those with visible identification.
The council further directed that tricycle covers must be properly fastened, especially during rainy periods. It warned that anyone who violates the new rules will face a seven-day detention.
Additionally, the statement included a strong warning against theft and other criminal acts within the local government area, particularly in the ATP premises, stressing that offenders would face immediate and severe consequences.
Meanwhile, in a separate operation, the Delta State Police Command announced the arrest of four suspects linked to armed robbery and drug offences in Asaba, the state capital.
Police spokesperson SP Bright Edafe said the arrests followed a robbery report received on October 1, 2025. He explained that officers from the B Division in Asaba, led by CSP Edewor Akponegware, acted swiftly after a woman was attacked at gunpoint around the BONSAAC area by two male suspects.
Edafe added that investigations are ongoing and the suspects will be charged to court upon completion of the inquiry.
