The Lagos State Taskforce has revealed that no fewer than 10 passengers of commercial motorcycles popularly known as Okada have been charged to court for going against the law prohibiting Okada in some parts of Lagos with over 150 Okada impounded.
The enforcement agency made this known in Lagos, on Sunday, at its headquarters office, in Bolade, Oshodi.
CSP Shola Jejeloye, the Chairman of the Agency said the operations were carried out at Ogba, Apapa, Tradefair, Elemoro, Ojodu and its environs.
He explained that traces of commercial motorcycles operations popularly known as Okada had been noticed in the aforementioned areas and other parts of the State despite the ban on their activities still being in place, prompting the need for the Agency to carry out the necessary mop-up exercises in the city.
Jejeloye said that though there was about 95 per cent compliance but yet about 150 commercial bikes were impounded for willfully operating on restricted routes and flouting traffic rules in some others.
The Chairman said the 10 passengers were also apprehended for plying the restricted BRT corridor and they have all been charged to court and were fined N50,000 or served three months in Badagry Correctional Centre.
“It has come to our notice through our discreet investigations and also via feedback from members of the Public that okada riders have aggressively been returning to streets to operate. It is quite unfortunate because we will ensure that any Okada caught operating will be impounded and crushed.
“Passengers and riders who are also caught will be charged to court as well” Jejeloye stated.
Jejeloye also reiterated that the agency would remain resolute in ensuring that the menace of Okada and infractions in Lagos never resurfaces as he and his men would carry on with aggressive enforcement exercises to maintain a sanity that Lagosians have evidently enjoyed since the ban was put in place.
“We will work hard to achieve orderliness on Lagos Roads in line with the T.H.E.M.E S. Agenda of the State Government and we will make sure we do all it takes to key into for a greater Lagos.
“No amount of aggressiveness or resistance from Okada riders can match our determination to create an enabling environment for every law-abiding Lagosian”
