Anambra state government said it would investigate report on alleged fraudulent activities involving officials of the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) in the state.
Commissioner for Transport, Mr Afam Mbanefo gave the assurance in a chat with newsmen following public outcry on fraudulent activities by officials of the inspectorate.
He said that the Governor Willie Obiano-led administration has zero tolerance for corruption.
There have been complaints by vehicle owners alleging harrasement and extortions by officials of the inspectorate, including impounding of their vehicles.
A victim who spoke to journalists in confidence alleged that his car was impounded for three days by the officers for refusing to a pay a fine of N50,000.
“The VIO officials claimed that one of my vehicle document which I paid for its renewal was fake. They said they have checked on database for vehicle license and saw that I have problem.
“I tried to explain to them that I made the payment through a state revenue official, whom I later brought to clear me, yet they confiscated my vehicle for three days,” he said.
The victim however said his car was later released to him following the intervention of some journalists.
“After the invitation of the Motor Registration Staff of Anambra Internal Revenue Service who processed the papers failed, I drew attention of some journalists and the moment they realized that media people had stepped in, the officials called me to come and take my car.
The VIO officials had first told me to bring N100,000, later N50,000 before reducing the money to N30,000 over the offence they said it’s official charge was N7,500.
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