By Ishaq Dan-Imam, Lokoja
A High Court of Justice sitting in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State in North Central Nigeria, has illegalized Kogi State Transport Management Authority (KOTRAMA) as its establishment law is a contravention of the provisions of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Act 2007.
An aggrieved Motorist, Mr. Martins Ojonimi Atojoko, and three other litigants had challenged the legality of the controversial road traffic agency whose operations are outlawed by the court as the agency is in conflict with the law.
KOTRAMA and motorists in the state have been at loggerheads over an alleged arbitrary clamp down on private and commercial motorists in its enforcement drive in the state, particularly the state capital leading to litigation against the transport agency of the government.
The trial Judge, Justice Clement Kekere gave the judgement in a suit brought before him by Martins Ojonimi Atojoko and three others against KOTRAMA.
Justice Kekere ruled that the activities of the agency had caused hardship to the motorists, and declared it an illegal entity in the eyes of the law.
There has been no reaction from the state government or management of KOTRAMA to the court judgement.
