By Admin 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Warri
DELTA: A rights group, Initiative for Social Rights Concerns and Advancement (ISRCA), has urged the Delta State Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, to closely monitor the enforcement of third-party vehicle insurance to prevent extortion by police officers.
The group, also known as “No Justice, No Peace,” raised concerns that some junior officers could exploit motorists under the guise of enforcing the policy.
The group advised CP Abaniwonda to engage the public through media campaigns before full enforcement begins, emphasizing that integrity and transparency must guide the process.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen, ISRCA stressed the need for fairness and public awareness before punitive measures are applied.
“The enforcement of third-party insurance should not become a tool for harassment, where defaulters are unfairly treated or detained,” the statement read.
The group noted that many vehicle owners are unaware of the requirements and called for an initial sensitization period rather than immediate penalties.
“Instead of rushing to penalize motorists, the police should prioritize public enlightenment. Many people don’t even know how to go about the registration process,” Agberen added.
The Delta State Police Command recently launched a monitoring team and mobile court to prosecute defaulters, following a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
While the initiative aims to ensure compensation for accident victims, ISRCA warned that poor implementation could lead to conflicts between police officers and motorists, especially amid the current economic hardship.