The Campaign for Democratic and Workers Rights (CDWR) has criticized the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit, popularly known as the Task Force, for allegedly invading a residential street in Dopemu and seizing four motorcycles belonging to residents. According to CDWR, the incident occurred on September 25 on Shomorin Street, off Union Road, around Cement Bus Stop, Dopemu. The group claimed that the residents were not riding on an expressway or any restricted route when their motorcycles were seized.
The CDWR National Publicity Secretary, Chinedu Bosah, described the alleged seizure and demand for N1.6million as an abuse of power. The group alleged that when the owners went to the Task Force office in Oshodi to recover their motorcycles, they were asked to pay N400,000 for each motorcycle. The motorcycles have registration numbers PKA-520QM, AKM-691QL, and LAR-987VF, while details of the fourth motorcycle were unavailable. CDWR called for the immediate release of the motorcycles and an end to what it described as the invasion of community streets.
The Task Force has recently intensified enforcement against commercial motorcycle operations on highways, bridges, Bus Rapid Transit corridors, and other restricted routes. In September, the Task Force Chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele, said the agency would intensify lawful enforcement against Okada operations on restricted routes, street obstructions, and other activities that threaten public safety. However, CDWR alleged that the Task Force was now extending its operations into residential streets, which it described as a new tactic.
The group linked the alleged incident to the wider economic hardship faced by residents, citing high fuel prices, housing costs, education, and healthcare expenses. CDWR demanded a transparent investigation into the alleged N400,000 payment requested for each motorcycle and accountability for anyone found to have extorted the residents. The organization also called on the Lagos State government to summon Akerele and his officers to explain the operation and take disciplinary action against any operative found to have unlawfully impounded the motorcycles.
In August, the Task Force impounded 66 commercial motorcycles during an enforcement operation across parts of Lagos Island, alleging that the operators were riding on restricted routes. The Task Force has previously defended its enforcement operations, saying it acts on complaints, intelligence, and petitions concerning activities it considers to violate Lagos State laws. In September, the agency urged members of the public to report anyone demanding money in its name.
The CDWR warned that continued incidents of this nature could lead to resistance by affected communities and urged the Lagos State government to intervene. The organization demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the four motorcycles and an end to what it described as the invasion of community streets to seize residents' vehicles. The incident has sparked concerns about the Task Force's enforcement operations and its impact on residents.
The Lagos State government has yet to comment on the incident. However, the Task Force's actions have raised questions about its enforcement strategies and the need for greater accountability. The CDWR's allegations have also highlighted the challenges faced by residents in Lagos State, including economic hardship and the need for effective governance.
Key points
- The Lagos State Task Force has been accused of seizing motorcycles in a residential area and demanding N1.6million for their release.
- The incident has sparked concerns about the Task Force's enforcement operations and its impact on residents.
- The CDWR has called for a transparent investigation into the alleged extortion and the release of the seized motorcycles.
