The Sapele Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State has released a new set of operational guidelines for commercial motorcycle (okada) and tricycle (keke) operators, including a ban on the use of face masks while on duty.

 

 

 

In a statement signed by the Secretary of the Local Government Council, Hon. Raymond Overah, and made available to journalists in Warri on Tuesday, October 2, the council said the measures were introduced to enhance public safety, maintain order, and improve transportation management within the local government area.

 

 

 

 

The directive, which will take effect 30 days from now, outlines specific operating hours and compliance requirements for riders and drivers.

 

 

 

 

“The operation time for okada riders is now restricted to 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. daily. Every rider must wear a reflective vest with a clearly written Area Code Number,” the statement read.

 

 

 

It added “Any okada rider found wearing face masks while on duty shall be arrested immediately.”

 

 

 

For tricycle operators, the new rules stipulate operational hours between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. and mandate that all tricycles display a visible and valid Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) Number on the body.

 

 

 

“No passenger shall enter any keke without a visible and valid VIO Number boldly displayed on the body,” the statement continued. “Keke covers must also be properly tied, especially during rainfall.”

 

 

 

 

The council warned that any operator who violates these directives would face a seven-day detention. It also issued a strong security warning against theft and other criminal activities in the area.

 

 

 

“Any person caught stealing within the ATP premises shall be shot on sight,” the council cautioned, urging all transport unions, riders, and residents to comply fully with the new measures.

 

 

 

Meanwhile, in a related development, operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested four suspected armed robbers and drug peddlers in Asaba, the state capital.

 

 

 

The command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the arrests in a statement, saying the operation followed a robbery incident reported on October 1, 2025.

 

 

 

 

“On October 1, 2025, the DPO B Division Asaba, CSP Edewor Akponegware, led his surveillance team in a swift response to a distress report about a robbery incident around the BONSAAC area of Asaba, where a female victim was robbed at gunpoint by two male suspects,” Edafe said.

 

 

 

He added that investigations were ongoing, and the suspects would be charged to court once the probe was concluded.