The Lagos State Taskforce has rejected allegations circulating on social media accusing its officers of extortion, illegal sale of seized motorcycles, use of unauthorized personnel, abuse of force, and compromised leadership.
Reacting to claims made online by one Sheriffdeen Omo Eko, the Chairman of the Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, described the reports as misleading and lacking factual basis. He said while the agency respects citizens’ right to speak out, it is important to correct narratives that could misinform the public.
Akerele explained that commercial motorcycles, popularly known as okada, are only seized after due legal process through the Mobile Court, in line with the Lagos State Road Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018. He stressed that enforcement is focused on motorcycles operating on routes clearly prohibited by the state government.
According to him, all seized motorcycles are handed over to the Ministry of Transportation and eventually crushed at a government-approved junkyard in Alausa. He emphasized that motorcycles are never sold back to operators or diverted for personal gain, adding that this policy has helped reduce illegal okada operations across Lagos in the past year.
The Taskforce also dismissed claims that it works with civilian touts, explaining that officers sometimes operate in plain clothes as part of intelligence-led operations, which is standard practice globally. Akerele noted that arresting illegal okada operators often comes with serious risks due to resistance and the danger posed to road users.
He further revealed that intelligence reports show many operators arrested in restricted areas are non-Nigerians without proper documentation, adding that criminal elements sometimes use the okada business as a cover for illegal activities.
Reaffirming the agency’s stance, Akerele said allegations of corruption or misconduct against the Taskforce leadership are unfounded. He added that tear gas is only deployed as a last resort, following strict guidelines, to prevent violence and protect lives.
The Taskforce chairman urged Lagos residents to verify information through official channels before sharing claims online, warning that misinformation could undermine public trust. He assured Lagosians that the Taskforce remains committed to maintaining safety, order, and security across the state.
