A human rights group, Campaign for Democracy, has called on the Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Idris to order immediate dismantling of roadblocks in Onitsha within three days.
The group said the roadblocks indiscriminately created panic and hindered free movement, partially grounding business in the commercial city.
Chairman of Campaign for Democracy in the south east, Uzor Uzor, told journalists the group was concerned about illegal extortion of motorists by police.
"We want to say that after this three- day ultimatum, we will embark on a series of protests to register our position on the matter," Uzor added.
A social critic, Prince Ezenwa noted a 15-kilometre trip between Onitsha and Oba alone had at least 11 road blocks.
He alleged that it might be a plan to reintroduce illegal toll collection in the south east geo-political zone.
"The gubernatorial election, which led to the setting up of road blocks has come and gone with the state not experiencing any violent crimes to warrant these problems," he said.
On his part, the Chairman, Ogirisi Igbo Foundation, Dr Linus Uche, alleged that it was a calculated attempt to extort road users during the yuletide.
"The police collect a lot of money from motorists and other road users, ranging from N100 to N500, and this end up in private pockets," he alleged.
