Lagos task Force seizes 497 okadas, recommends mental test for riders riding one-way

The Lagos State Taskforce has intensified its operations along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, resulting in the seizure of 497 motorcycles, popularly known as okada, that were found plying the highway despite being prohibited from doing so.

The latest operations led by the Chairman of the Agency, CSP Shola Jejeloye, covered areas such as Doyin Bus Stop, Alakija, Iyana Iba, Igbo-Elerin, Festac Link Bridge and Igando.

The unit said the operation was a decisive move to ensure public safety and uphold the laid down traffic rules and regulations on the state’s highways, band other restricted routes, as well as to stamp the commitment of the Lagos State Taskforce to enforce traffic regulations and maintain order and sanity on Lagos Roads.

A statement by Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, Director, Press & Public Affairs of the Task Force, quoted Jejeloye as describing the activities of okada operators especially along Lagos-Badagry Expressway as reckless due to the non challant attitude of the operators on that corridor.

Jejeloye said, “Okada operators here are the cause of major accidents and a big threat to the security architecture of the state along this route, especially the ones you see facing on coming vehicles directly on one-way. It is complete madness and I recommend anyone caught in the act be subjected to psychiatric evaluation.”

Abdulraheem further stated that the Task Force achieved a remarkable record of seizures during the operation, “signalling a clear message to okada violators that enforcement measures will be rigorously implemented in all nook and crannies of the state.

The statement further reads, “The Chairman reiterated the importance of compliance with traffic regulations and warned erring riders to desist from their operations along restricted routes immediately. Failure to adhere to these regulations will result in the impoundment of motorcycles and possible jail term.”