Eleven persons have been arraigned in court by the Imo State government for converting sections of the newly commissioned Control- Assumpta Twin Fly Over in Owerri to trading points, loading bays and touting zones.
The offenders, comprising roadside traders, commercial vehicle operators and touts, were arrested during a joint enforcement operation led by the Office of the Governor on Monitoring and Compliance under the supervision of Nze Chinasa Nwaneri.
The exercise was part of a government campaign to restore order and curb criminal activities around strategic public facilities in the Imo State capital.
According to Nwaneri, the culprits were caught conducting illegal loading, hawking and extortionist activities beneath the fly-over, despite repeated warnings and recent demolition of criminal hideouts in the same vicinity.
He said, “They were promptly charged to court on multiple counts bordering on obstruction of public space, illegal trading and violation of government directives. After their arraignment, the presiding magistrate ordered that the 11 defendants be remanded at the correctional centre pending the determination of their case, which has been adjourned to October 29, 2025, for hearing.
Speaking to newsmen after the court session, Nze Nwaneri reiterated the state government’s zero-tolerance stance against environmental indiscipline and criminal misuse of public infrastructure.
Residents and commuters around the control area commended the action, describing it as a necessary step to preserve the integrity of the fly-over and maintain public order.
Many also praised the government for sustaining the security and urban enforcement initiatives that have continued to make Owerri safer and more organised.
