By Samuel Ogude
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Warri Correspondents’ Chapel, has strongly condemned the alleged extortion of some of its members by officials of the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) in Warri, Delta State, and demanded the immediate refund of the ₦10,000 allegedly collected from one of its members.
The position of the chapel was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of its monthly congress held on Thursday, September 17, 2026.
The union alleged that a female journalist, who is a member of the chapel, was on her way to the hospital for medical treatment when her vehicle was impounded by VIO officials along Airport Road over an alleged expired tyre. According to the communiqué, the officers initially demanded ₦80,000 for the vehicle’s release but eventually collected ₦10,000 despite repeated appeals by leaders of the chapel, who informed them that the journalist was ill and urgently needed medical attention.
Describing the action as inhumane and unacceptable, the chapel called on the leadership of the VIO and other relevant authorities to investigate the incident, sanction the officers involved, and ensure the immediate refund of the money allegedly extorted.
The union also expressed concern over the continued presence of VIO officials on public roads despite what it described as a subsisting court order restraining such operations. It said the alleged disregard for the court order not only undermines the rule of law but also exposes motorists and other road users to avoidable risks. The communiqué urged the appropriate authorities to ensure that all enforcement activities are carried out strictly in accordance with extant laws and valid court orders.
On infrastructure, the chapel appealed to the Delta State Government to expedite the rehabilitation of major roads in Warri, Effurun and Udu Local Government Areas, particularly roads that have become difficult for motorists and commuters to use. It specifically identified Refinery Road and adjoining roads, including Eburu Street off Okumagba Avenue in Warri, as requiring urgent attention, noting that improved road infrastructure would enhance mobility and stimulate economic activities across the state.
The union, however, commended the Delta State Government for the ongoing reconstruction and rehabilitation of judicial facilities across the state, particularly the High Court complexes in Effurun and Udu, as well as the Customary Court before Udu Bridge and other related projects.
According to the chapel, the upgraded court facilities would provide a more conducive working environment for judicial officers, lawyers, litigants and other stakeholders in the justice sector. The communiqué also urged residents of Delta State to protect public infrastructure by avoiding acts capable of damaging government facilities.
It specifically cautioned against dumping refuse in gutters and drainage channels, as well as connecting sewage systems to public drains, warning that such practices contribute to flooding, environmental degradation and the rapid deterioration of public infrastructure. The union further appealed to residents to take ownership of government projects within their communities by promptly reporting acts of vandalism, abuse or deliberate destruction of public property to the appropriate authorities.
Reaffirming its commitment to national development, the communiqué stated that the Warri Correspondents’ Chapel would continue to promote good governance, accountability, public safety and sustainable development through responsible journalism and constructive engagement with government and other stakeholders.