Motorists navigate Lagos roads as concerns grow over enforcement practices and reported roadside encounters. | Source: Thisdaylive
Motorists in Lagos are raising fresh concerns about how road enforcement is being carried out. Reports allege collaboration between task force officials and street touts, with claims of staged traffic violations and forced stops. Some drivers say they are intercepted under questionable circumstances, including accusations of one-way driving they believe were set up. The situation is adding to unease around enforcement methods and accountability on Lagos roads.
What Motorists Describe and How Officials Are Responding
Some of the reports point to direct encounters. In a widely shared video, a man was stopped by people believed to be touts working with the task force. They reportedly blocked his car after he came out of traffic, ordered him to step out and asked for his keys. When he resisted, security officers were said to step in.
In another case, an elderly driver was reportedly teargassed inside his car. His number plate and battery were taken, along with other items, while his clothes were torn as he tried to get away. Incidents like these have added to claims that enforcement is becoming forceful and, at times, involves people who are not official officers
The Chairman of the Lagos State Task Force, Adetayo Akerele, has pushed back against these claims, saying that the reports are part of an online campaign against him and the agency. According to him, an individual had asked for special treatment and turned to threats and negative posts after they were refused. He also mentioned that he has screenshots of messages to support this claim.
Akerele added that the task force will continue to carry out its duties without giving in to pressure. He also advised the public to be careful about what they believe online, saying some of the claims are misleading.
The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, also denied that the government is using the task force to generate revenue or working with touts. He emphasised that the idea does not reflect how the state approaches road safety and traffic management.
