On condition of anonymity, an Oshodi resident in the Oshodi-Isolo LGA of the state captured no fewer than five uniformed men on motorcycles on Thursday. While some rode past him, others were stationary and awaiting passengers.
“Usually, I see one or two policemen riding and picking up passengers here, but on Thursday there were about five,” the resident told FIJ. “Normally, they should be emphasising the okada ban, but they are the ones violating it.
“There are commercial riders there, but there are policemen wearing camouflages also acting as commercial riders.”
In 2022, the Lagos State Government prohibited the use of motorcycles to convey passengers in Kosofe, Oshodi-Isolo, Somolu, Mushin, Apapa, Ikeja, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, Surulere and Eti-Osa local government areas (LGAs).
The government extended the ban to some local council development areas under the LGAs. They are: Ojodu, Onigbongbo, Lagos Island East, Yaba, Coker Aguda, Itire-Ikate, Eti-Osa West, Iru Victoria Island, Ikoyi-Obalende, Ikosi-Isheri, Agboyi-Ketu, Isolo, Ejigbo, Bariga and Odi-Olowo LCDAs.
Since then, a police task force in the state has clamped down on several violators, seized motorcycles and arrested several riders. In January 2024, the task force seized 355 motorcycles and another 359 two months later.
Also, the Code of Conduct for Public Officers (CCPO) makes it illegal for a public servant engaged in full-time employment with the government to take on private employment other than farming.
On Sunday, FIJ shared the video with Benjamin Hundeyin, spokesman for the Lagos State Police Command, and he acknowledged receipt. Hundeyin promised to investigate the occurrence.
