Eight suspects are now in the net of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit (Taskforce) after they were caught assaulting innocent citizens, and attacking security personnel.
The suspects who are allegedly Okada operators constituted the nuisance on the highways, with their victims including security personnel stationed at Apongbon, Marina, and its environs.
incidentally, one of the suspects, has made an interesting revelation, stating that the group was allegedly sponsored to put up massive resistance to the efforts of the State Government ridding the State of the menace of Okada operations on restricted highways.
The suspects, identified are Buba Umar, 40; Musa Usman, 30; Gambo Dauda, 32; Shagari Bulba, 42; Auwalu Mohammed, 30; Idris Hassan, 25; Wale Yusuf, 43; Ohnosi Osaseti; and Sagiru Asiru
They were apprehended at Apongbon at the scene of a fracas where they were allegedly attacking security operatives with broken bottles, machetes, cutlasses, and other dangerous weapons while attempting to free some impounded motorcycles.
Other accomplices, who are currently at large, will be tracked down by the agency.
Speaking on the arrest, the Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, said the suspects had been placed under surveillance following repeated complaints of attacks on uniformed personnel operating within the area after enforcement operations against Okada operators over the seizure of motorcycles operating on restricted routes.
According to the Chairman,“I received complaints from residents and senior citizens alleging that Okada operators forming an expre-de-corps, if allowed unchecked, could pose a serious threat to residents, pedestrians, and schoolchildren. I immediately put strategies in place to track them down,” Akerele said.
During interrogation, one of the suspects, Wale Yusuf (aka babaalawo), admitted that they had planned that any enforcement operation against Okada operators on the highways would no longer be a “tea party” and would be met with stiff resistance.
Other suspects claimed that their motorcycles had previously been impounded while operating on the highways but that, because of the lucrative nature of the business on restricted routes, they refused to quit the operation.
CSP Akerele assured that the suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the law, stressing that their arrest and prosecution would serve as a warning to individuals who take the law into their own hands.
He warned that the Taskforce would not relent in its efforts to protect Lagos roads and highways from criminal elements who are hell-bent on turning the State into a jungle.
“I urge members of the public to continue reporting suspicious activities through our official feedback channels for prompt action. We will not retreat or surrender in our drive to make the State’s roads free of recalcitrant Okada operators, who are generally seen as a threat to our collective security,” he emphasised.
Cami Ezenwa is a Writer, Editor, Publicist, Biographer and Journalism Trainer
He has worked with the Daily Times, Daily Independent, Financial Standard and Business Television to mention some.
His ongoing Corporate Communications Master Class training series equips learners with credible hands-on skills for effective Media Relations, Public Communications & Corporate Affairs amongst others.
He can be contacted via 09165809519 or 08180335778.