The Lagos State Taskforce has dismissed allegations of extortion, illegal sale of seized motorcycles and abuse of force during its enforcement operations, reaffirming its commitment to public safety, integrity and strict adherence to the rule of law.
The agency addressed the allegations in a statement issued on Friday by its Director of Public Affairs, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, describing circulating social media reports as “misleading and unsubstantiated narratives” aimed at discrediting its activities.
According to the Taskforce, commercial motorcycles, popularly known as okada, are apprehended strictly in line with due process and prosecuted before the Mobile Court for violating provisions of the Lagos State Road Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018, particularly operating on routes prohibited by the state government.
“These actions are judicially backed and not arbitrary,” the statement said, stressing that all enforcement operations are conducted within the framework of the law.
The Taskforce also refuted claims that seized motorcycles are sold back to operators or diverted for personal gain. It clarified that confiscated motorcycles are handed over to the Ministry of Transportation and subsequently crushed at a government-approved junkyard in Alausa.
“At no point are seized motorcycles sold back to operators or diverted for personal benefit,” the agency stated, adding that while motorcycles are destroyed, confiscated vehicles are auctioned only by the state government through court-approved and transparent processes.
Addressing allegations of using civilian touts during operations, the Taskforce explained that some of its operatives work in plain clothes as part of intelligence-led enforcement strategies.
“The para-military operatives attached to the agency may operate in plain clothes as part of intelligence-led sting operations, a standard enforcement practice worldwide,” it said, noting that all such personnel are trained officers operating within approved guidelines.
The agency further highlighted the security implications of illegal motorcycle operations, revealing that intelligence reports indicate a significant number of operators arrested in restricted areas are non-Nigerians, some without valid documentation.
“Intelligence assessments indicate that criminal elements often exploit the okada business as a cover to evade scrutiny, infiltrate communities and foment disorder,” the Taskforce said, describing illegal motorcycle operations as a broader public safety and security concern beyond traffic violations.
On allegations directed at the Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, the agency described claims of personal enrichment or compromise as “reckless, unfounded and unsupported by facts.”
“Every assignment entrusted to the Chairman has been discharged with the highest degree of responsibility, professionalism and integrity,” the statement added.
The Taskforce also defended the controlled use of tear gas during enforcement operations, noting that it remains an internationally recognised crowd-control method when deployed by trained and authorised personnel under strict operational guidelines.
Urging members of the public to verify information before sharing it online, the agency warned that misinformation undermines public trust and distracts from efforts to maintain law and order.
“Lagosians deserve to live, work and commute in an environment that is safe, serene and secure, and the Taskforce remains unwavering in its commitment to that mandate,” the statement concluded.