Lagos Taskforce extortion claims dismissed as the agency defends its enforcement operations, denying abuse, illegal sales and misconduct

The Lagos State Taskforce has dismissed allegations of extortion, illegal sale of seized motorcycles and abuse of force, reaffirming its commitment to public safety, integrity and the rule of law.

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The agency addressed the accusations in a statement issued on Friday by its Director of Public Affairs, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, describing the claims circulating on social media as “misleading and unsubstantiated narratives” that misrepresent its enforcement activities.

According to the Taskforce, commercial motorcycles are apprehended strictly through due process and prosecuted before the Mobile Court for violations of the Lagos State Road Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018, particularly for operating on routes prohibited by the state government.

“These actions are judicially backed and not arbitrary,” the statement said, stressing that all enforcement operations are conducted within the framework of the law.

The agency categorically denied claims that seized motorcycles are sold back to operators. It explained that confiscated motorcycles are transferred to the Ministry of Transportation and subsequently crushed at a government-approved junkyard in Alausa.

“At no point are seized motorcycles sold back to operators or diverted for personal benefit,” the Taskforce said.

It clarified that while motorcycles are destroyed, confiscated vehicles are auctioned strictly by the state government through court-approved and transparent processes.

Responding to allegations that civilian touts are used during operations, the Taskforce explained that some operatives work in plain clothes as part of intelligence-led enforcement.

“The para-military operatives attached to the agency may operate in plain clothes as part of intelligence-led sting operations, a standard enforcement practice worldwide,” the statement noted, adding that all such officers are trained personnel acting within approved operational frameworks.

The Taskforce also highlighted the security implications of illegal commercial motorcycle operations, describing the issue as extending beyond traffic violations.

It said intelligence reports indicate that a significant number of operators arrested in restricted areas are non-Nigerians, some without valid documentation.

“Intelligence assessments indicate that criminal elements often exploit the okada business as a cover to evade scrutiny, infiltrate communities and foment disorder,” the agency said, describing illegal motorcycle operations as a broader public safety and security challenge.

On allegations against the Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, the agency described claims of personal enrichment or compromise as “reckless, unfounded and unsupported by facts.”

It said Akerele’s leadership has been marked by professionalism, commitment and sacrifice.

The Taskforce further defended the controlled use of tear gas during operations, stating that it remains an internationally recognised crowd-control method when deployed by trained and authorised personnel under strict operational guidelines.

Urging residents to verify information before sharing it online, the agency warned that misinformation undermines public trust and distracts from efforts to maintain order.

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“Lagosians deserve to live, work and commute in an environment that is safe, serene and secure,” the statement added, reaffirming the Taskforce’s unwavering commitment to that mandate.