The Delta State Traffic Management Authority (DESTMA) has dismissed as false and misleading an online report alleging that a High Court sitting in Asaba delivered a judgment against the agency on January 10, 2026.
The Director-General of DESTMA, Hon. Benjamin Okiemute, made the clarification on Monday while addressing journalists during a press briefing, describing the circulating publication as a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and undermine the operations of the traffic management agency.
Hon. Okiemute said the attention of DESTMA management was drawn to a report being widely shared on social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, which claimed that the agency had lost a court case. He categorically denied the allegation, stating that DESTMA was neither aware of such a judgment nor involved in any legal proceedings relating to the claims.
According to him, the agency was not served with any court processes and was never invited to appear before any court in respect of the purported judgment, stressing that the report lacked credibility and legal basis.
The DESTMA boss further noted that social media publications do not constitute recognised channels of official government communication, adding that the alleged court judgment being circulated was unknown to the agency and therefore without legal standing.
He urged members of the public to completely disregard the report and to rely only on verified and lawful sources of information for updates on government activities and policies.
Reaffirming the agency’s mandate, Hon. Okiemute called on residents of Delta State and other road users to continue to obey traffic regulations, explaining that the laws enforced by DESTMA are aimed at promoting safety, orderliness and the general wellbeing of commuters across the state.
He also warned that those behind the publication of what he described as false and defamatory information would be held accountable, revealing that relevant security agencies had already commenced efforts to identify the individuals responsible. He stressed that appropriate legal action would be taken in line with the law.
Providing clarification on DESTMA’s enforcement procedures, the Director-General explained that enforcement remains a core aspect of traffic management and involves informing offenders of violations committed in accordance with established regulations.
He disclosed that traffic offenders are processed through legally recognised channels, including appearance before a Mobile Court, where penalties are determined by a judge in line with existing laws.
Hon. Okiemute emphasised that DESTMA operates strictly within its rules of engagement as provided by its enabling laws duly gazetted by the Delta State Government.
He added that Mobile Court judges are empowered to exercise discretion in handling cases, including issuing fines, granting leniency to first-time offenders or imposing stiffer penalties where necessary, all in line with due process.
The DESTMA Director-General reaffirmed that officers of the agency would continue to discharge their duties professionally and lawfully, maintaining that DESTMA has not acted outside its mandate and remains committed to effective traffic management and public safety across Delta State.