Commercial drivers in Port Harcourt have expressed frustration over what they describe as persistent extortion by both police officers and motor park operators, commonly known as agberos, saying the practice is increasing the cost of doing business and making their work more difficult.
The drivers complained of excessive levies, wrongful accusations and constant pressure to comply with demands for money. One driver said he spent ₦82,000 in two weeks on payments to both agberos and security personnel. He alleged that if he stops at a filling station or is intercepted at the Rumokoro Motor Park, he could be made to pay as much as ₦40,000 before being allowed to continue his journey.
Drivers identified parts of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area as extortion hotspots. One driver specifically identified Rumokoro, Obirikwere and Rumuosi, describing them as "war fronts" where they are frequently stopped. Another driver added that despite having all the required tickets and stickers, agberos still accuse him of illegal parking whenever he stops to drop off passengers. According to him, the agberos often operate in groups of six or seven, leaving drivers feeling intimidated and compelled to pay.
While some drivers condemned the practice, one respondent described it as an unfortunate reality of the transport business, saying drivers have become accustomed to it despite its negative impact on their livelihoods.
Others argued that the police, rather than the agberos, are responsible for the highest level of extortion, alleging that officers demand money even when drivers present all the required vehicle documents. They described the practice as unfair and unjustified.
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