Efut Youth Council Petitions Cross River Governor Over CTRA Alleged Brutalisation of Transport Driver in Calabar
The National Association of Efut Youth Council, Cross River State chapter, has written an open letter to Governor of Cross River State over the alleged assault, battery and unlawful detention of a registered public transport driver by officials of the Commercial Transport Regulatory Agency (CTRA), 100 Marian Taskforce.
The incident reportedly occurred on December 16, 2025, along the University of Calabar (UNICAL) main gate in Calabar during a routine enforcement operation.
According to the letter dated December 24, 2025, the driver, identified as Edem Etim, was operating a mini bus with registration number GGD-168-YM and had allegedly complied with all regulatory requirements, including vehicle registration and purchase of the daily transport ticket for that day.
Despite presenting proof of compliance, the youth group alleged that officials of the CTRA taskforce accused the driver of operating illegally and proceeded to violently assault him. The letter stated that the assault left the driver severely injured and bleeding.
Following the alleged assault, the taskforce reportedly seized the driver’s vehicle and conveyed it to the Police Station at the Cultural Centre, Anti-Cultism Unit.
The Efut Youth Council said the driver later visited both the police station and the enforcement unit’s office to present evidence of his registration and daily ticket, while also seeking the release of his vehicle and assistance for medical treatment. However, these efforts were said to have been unsuccessful, as the vehicle was not released and no support was provided for his injuries.
The group described the action of the taskforce as a violation of Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which guarantees the right to dignity of the human person and prohibits torture or inhuman treatment.
They further argued that the seizure of the vehicle and continued detention, despite evidence of compliance, undermines the rule of law and erodes public confidence in government institutions.
“The enforcement units exist to uphold the law and protect citizens, not to intimidate or brutalise those who have complied with regulations,” the letter stated, warning that such conduct damages the image of the state and instils fear among transport workers and the general public.
The association called on the governor to urgently intervene by ordering a thorough investigation into the conduct of the officers involved, ensuring the immediate release of the driver’s vehicle, and providing compensation for medical expenses and loss of income.
Other demands included appropriate disciplinary action against any officer found culpable, a public apology to the victim, a review of enforcement procedures, and engagement with transport unions and human rights groups to prevent future abuses.
The group warned that failure to address the matter within seven days would compel them to pursue all available legal remedies on behalf of the victim.
Copies of the letter were also sent to the Attorney General of Cross River State, the Commissioner of Police, and the Commissioner for Transportation.
The association expressed confidence in the governor’s leadership, urging swift and decisive action to reaffirm the state’s commitment to human dignity, lawful enforcement, and public trust.
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