‘Human Rights Advocates Are Not Above The Law’

The Lagos State taskforce has voted against preferential treatment in its enforcement activities against environmental abuses, stating that nobody is above the law.

The taskforce stated the stance in a statement refuting a misleading statement, circulating online, reportedly signed by Comrade Rufus Olusesan and Comrade Chinedu Bosah.

It said the statement falsely accused officials of the agency impounding a 250cc motorcycle belonging to one Mr. Babatunde, described as a human rights advocate, claiming that such motorcycles are permitted to operate freely on Lagos roads.

“The Lagos State Taskforce wishes to categorically state that the motorcycle in question was impounded for driving against traffic (one-way), an offence clearly prohibited under the law”, the taskforce clarified in a statement signed by its Director, Public Affairs Gbadeyan Abdulraheem.

“The rider, with registration number DKA 510 QC, was apprehended while riding against traffic from Cement Bus Stop inward Ile Zik, carrying two passengers without helmets. He was intercepted by Taskforce officials on routine patrol in the Ikeja axis”, the statement added.

It said that upon being stopped, that the rider resisted arrest, physically struggling with officers and claiming to be a human rights activist.

“During the altercation, some officers had their uniforms torn before the situation was brought under control and the motorcycle evacuated to the Agency’s base.

“Subsequently, the rider and three others, who also identified themselves as human rights activists affiliated with the Nigeria Labour Congress, approached the Officer-in-Charge of Ikeja, ASP Gamagins Kaffaru, offering a bribe of ₦20,000 to secure the release of the motorcycle.

“The offer was firmly rejected, as the matter had already been processed for court action. This clearly contradicts the false claim that officials demanded ₦50,000”.

Asserting its conviction that human rights activists are not above the law, as that would amount to selective justice, the taskforce, also dismissed an alleged“high-handedness” ,adding that it follows appropriate legal procedure, the courts remaining the proper avenue for dispute resolution, not public sentiment or misinformation.

“For the record, the Chairman of the Agency, CSP Adetayo Akerele, is a lawyer by trainning , a seasoned police officer, and a known advocate for human rights.

His professional background underscores a commitment to due process, fairness, and the rule of law.

It is also noteworthy that after submitting a petition to the Chairman’s office, the complainants failed to follow up through the appropriate channels, despite being given the opportunity to track the progress of their case”.

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The agency also addressed a related development, a video circulated online and that had been previously reported to the Agency in 2025.

“Following investigations, it was established that the individual involved was not a Taskforce operative but an impostor.

“Efforts were made to apprehend the suspect; however, the complainant later informed the Agency that the matter had been resolved after the individual refunded the money, following intervention by a Divisional Police Officer.

“It is therefore misleading and irresponsible to recycle such content to discredit the Agency and misinform the public.

“The Lagos State Taskforce urges the public to disregard these false narratives, which are clearly intended to incite sentiment and undermine lawful enforcement efforts.

“While enforcement actions may not always be popular, they remain necessary to maintain order and safety. The Agency remains committed to discharging its duties with professionalism, fairness, and strict adherence to the law” , the statement added.