Alleged Extortions: Lagos taskforce distances self from online report

…Warns against fake news

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

The Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Enforcement Unit (Taskforce) has clarified that it was not responsible for the recent “unsubstantiated” online report alleging officer of extortion during an enforcement operation at Ijesha area of the state.

Chairman of the agency, Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP, Tayo Akerele, through Director, Public Affairs, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, who made the rebuttal in a statement on Thursday, urged residents to disregard the online report.

This is coming following a report circulating online, credited to one Sherifdeen from a platform associated with Òjón Ọmọ Ékó, alleging officers of the agency of towing a vehicle from the Ijesha area of the State and collected the sum of ₦250,000 as a bribe before releasing it.

In a rebuttal, the agency stated, “The attention of the Lagos State Taskforce has once again been drawn to a misleading, malicious, and unsubstantiated report circulating online, credited to one Sherifdeen from a platform associated with Òjón Ọmọ Ékó.

“The report falsely alleges that officials of the Agency towed a vehicle from the Ijesha area of the State and collected the sum of ₦250,000 as a bribe before releasing it.

“Let it be stated clearly and unequivocally that this allegation is entirely false, defamatory, and devoid of any factual basis.

“At no point did the Lagos State Taskforce tow any vehicle from the Ijesha axis to its yard in Alausa. In fact, the owner of the said vehicle has admitted that the vehicle was not found in our custody but elsewhere.

“Available evidence, including the receipt referenced, suggests the involvement of a different enforcement agency, possibly relating to abandoned vehicle operations.

“It is therefore both reckless and unjustifiable to malign the Taskforce and attempt to damage its hard-earned reputation.

“This style of reporting, devoid of proper investigation and verification, falls far below acceptable ethical standards of journalism. While such narratives may mislead some members of the public temporarily, Nigerians are discerning enough to eventually identify falsehood and mischief.

“The attempt to deploy media pressure as a tool to manipulate enforcement outcomes—particularly in seeking the release of impounded vehicles or okada—will not deter the Agency from carrying out its statutory responsibilities.

“The agency and its leadership have, in recent times, been subjected to coordinated attacks by a handful of armchair critics and “pull-him-down” commentators.

“These attacks are largely driven by the Agency’s firm refusal to grant waivers to individuals whose associates or clients have violated the total ban on okada operations along restricted routes, as stipulated by law.

“It is evident that the agitation from Òjón Ọmọ Ékó stems from the fact that due process was strictly followed without compromise.

“Rather than allow the law to take its course, there have been repeated attempts to pressure the system through public sentiment and media manipulation.

“It is also important to note a troubling pattern where appeals for “mercy” are often tied to backdoor arrangements that compromise enforcement integrity.

“The Chairman has consistently rejected such requests and will continue to do so in the interest of public safety and the preservation of Lagos State’s security architecture.

“Releasing impounded okada in violation of laid-down procedures would set a dangerous precedent capable of undermining law enforcement and public order.

No amount of intimidation, blackmail, or orchestrated social media campaigns will compel the Agency to abandon its mandate.

“We encourage any individual with genuine grievances to utilize the Agency’s “See Something, Say Something” feedback mechanism by presenting credible and verifiable evidence.

“Where any misconduct is established, appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken in line with extant service regulations.

“Social media influencers and bloggers are urged to act responsibly by verifying their claims, respecting institutional integrity, and promoting the rule of law, rather than facilitating attempts to evade justice.

“The Lagos State Taskforce remains resolute in the discharge of its mandate under the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018, working tirelessly to protect lives and ensure order on our roads.

“Members of the public are therefore advised to disregard these false and misleading allegations, as they are clearly intended to misinform and undermine the integrity of the Agency.”