...The situation escalated further when the traders questioned why a transport enforcement operation was being conducted on a Saturday, a non-working day for most government enforcement units. This deepened the crowd’s suspicion that the men were impostors attempting to extort money from unsuspecting transport operators...
There was a dramatic scene earlier today, Saturday, October 4th, 2025, at Kenyatta Market, Uwani, Enugu, when a group of men claiming to be officials from the Enugu State Ministry of Transport (MOT) were apprehended by traders after attempting to arrest a commercial tricycle operator (popularly known as Keke driver).
According to eyewitnesses, the self-acclaimed MOT officers had intercepted the tricycle rider in front of the busy market, accusing him of violating traffic regulations. However, their unruly and aggressive conduct quickly drew the attention of traders and passersby, who became suspicious of their true identity.
As tensions rose, a large crowd of market women, traders, and commuters gathered to confront the men, demanding they produce valid identification or authorization from the Ministry of Transport. Eyewitnesses said the supposed officers could not provide any official documents to back their claims.
The situation escalated further when the traders questioned why a transport enforcement operation was being conducted on a Saturday—a non-working day for most government enforcement units. This deepened the crowd’s suspicion that the men were impostors attempting to extort money from unsuspecting transport operators.
After a heated exchange and a brief scuffle, it was discovered that the individuals were not recognized officials of the Enugu State Ministry of Transport. Outraged, the market community detained the suspects and alerted security operatives in the area.
Traders and community members condemned the act, describing it as a deliberate attempt to impersonate government officials and tarnish the image of the administration of His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, the Executive Governor of Enugu State.
As of the time of this report, calm has returned to the area, while investigations are reportedly underway to identify and prosecute those behind the fraudulent operation.