MOUN, TOAN accuse police of obstructing collection of check-off dues in Delta …Urge IGP, Oborevwori to intervene
Two major transport unions, the Motorcycle Operators Union of Nigeria (MOUN) and the Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria (TOAN), have raised alarm over what they describe as persistent intimidation and obstruction by officers of the Nigeria Police Force in their bid to collect statutory check-off dues from members across Delta State.
The unions issued the complaint during a joint press conference held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Warri Correspondents’ Chapel, over the weekend. Speaking on behalf of both organisations.
The Deputy National President of MOUN, Comrade Julius Bobi, and the State Deputy Chairman of TOAN, Comrade Famous Ogbe Foghola, alleged that police operatives have continually harassed, arrested, and prevented their officials from carrying out constitutionally backed union functions.
Both groups stressed that they are legitimate and nationally recognised trade unions, MOUN being affiliated with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and TOAN with the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and therefore empowered by law to collect check-off dues from members in accordance with the Trade Unions Act.
The unions also accused the Delta State Police Command of enabling an unregistered organisation, the Commercial Motorcycle and Tricycle Operators Association of Delta State (COMTOA), to collect what they described as “illegal dues”.
They also condemned COMTOA’s alleged use of Nigeria’s Coat of Arms on its tickets and documents, insisting the act is unlawful and deceptive.
According to Comrade Bobi, the authority to empower trade unions to collect dues lies exclusively with the Federal Government through the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
He argued that “no state government, including Delta, has constitutional powers to authorise COMTOA or any other unregistered association to collect union dues”.
He added that while the state government is legitimately allowed to collect road taxes, only properly registered trade unions are entitled to check-off dues, making COMTOA’s operations contrary to the law.
Supporting the position, TOAN’s Deputy Chairman, Comrade Foghola, called for urgent intervention from both the Delta State Government and the Police hierarchy.
He alleged that some local government chairmen who benefit from COMTOA’s activities may be using police officers in their jurisdictions to intimidate union members.
The unions appealed to the Inspector General of Police and the Delta State Commissioner of Police to rein in officers allegedly involved in the acts.
They also urged Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to intervene to ensure that MOUN and TOAN are allowed to operate freely in line with statutory provisions.
While advising members to remain calm, the two unions warned them not to succumb to pressure to purchase tickets issued by COMTOA.
They also expressed appreciation to Governor Oborevwori for recognising their operations and pledged continued support for his administration ahead of the 2027 election cycle.
When contacted for reaction, the Public Relations Officer of the Delta State Police Command, SP Bright Edafe, said the command was unaware of any intimidation or harassment involving the unions.
He advised the groups to formally submit their complaints to the Commissioner of Police for proper investigation, adding that police intervention occurs only when revenue collection efforts lead to a breakdown of law and order.
