UDISAM Mass Transit Company, a transport operator in Ebonyi State, has submitted a petition to the Inspector General of Police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security agencies regarding an alleged criminal intimidation, advance fee fraud, and life-threatening threats involving a former state government official and his associates.
The company’s Director, Comrade James Igwe, accused a former Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Celestine Nwali, and several others of fraudulently obtaining money under false pretence in petitions dated April 3 and April 22, 2026, which were addressed through the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and legal representatives.
In accordance with the petitions, the transport company had previously obtained sanction and paid the necessary fees to the Ebonyi State Government for a loading bay at the Central Motor Park in Abakaliki during the previous administration.
Nevertheless, the former commissioner allegedly confronted the company at the outset of the current administration, asserting his authority over motor park operations and directing that payments be made through him and his agents.
The company claimed that it subsequently paid N400,000 to individuals who were introduced as representatives of the former commissioner, assuming that the payment was legitimate.
The company reportedly encountered inconsistencies regarding the payment, which prompted the accused individuals to mobilise suspected hoodlums to disrupt its operations, obstruct business activities, and issue threats of violence. The trouble reportedly commenced at that point.
The petitioner also claimed that the individuals, some of whom were purportedly clad in military uniforms, engaged in acts of intimidation, besieged the company’s premises, and posed a significant threat to the lives of the director, staff, and workers.
The complainant is requesting that security agencies investigate the situation, guarantee the protection of lives and property, and bring those responsible to justice. She is also warning that the situation could result in a breach of peace if not urgently addressed.
The accused former commissioner, Hon. Celestine Nwali, stated that he was in a meeting and was unable to respond to the allegations when contacted via phone.
Additionally, Mr. Toochukwu Nwali, whose account number was purportedly utilised to receive the funds on behalf of the former commissioner, acknowledged that he had a disagreement with the company
Nevertheless, he stated that he was in the Ikwo Local Government Area at the time of the report’s submission and had not responded to any additional calls despite numerous attempts to obtain his comments.