The Lagos State Taskforce has arrested 54 persons over illegal ticketing and extortion activities targeting trucks and commercial vehicles coming into the state.
The Director, Press & Public Affairs, Lagos State Taskforce, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem in a statement said these arrests were made in key areas including Isolo, Mushin, Apapa, Mile 2, and the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.
Abdulraheem said the suspects specialise in waylaying trucks loaded with goods and imposing unlawful fines on them.
He explained that they have through their activities plagued truck operators for some time and contributed negatively to delays and disruptions in the smooth flow of goods and services in and out of Lagos State.
The Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele spoke on the arrests, stating that these enforcement exercises are part of the agency’s mandate to end such unlawful practices.
“This illegal ticketing system has been operating for far too long. We are committed to arresting and prosecuting anyone who imposes unjustified fines on trucks and commercial vehicles. These practices are not only illegal but also detrimental to the state’s economy,” Akerele said.
“The ongoing operation is part of a wider effort by the taskforce to restore law and order across Lagos, ensuring that businesses can operate without the threat of extortion by touts and other illegal actors.
“It is part of our statutory responsibilities to arrest and prosecute anyone involved in the illegal issuance of fines/tickets within the Metropolis therefore we will ensure that anyone involved in this illicit practice is brought to book.”
The Lagos State Taskforce Chairman has urged residents and business owners to report any suspicious activities to the Agency.
Akerele has also assured the public that further arrests would be made to curb this widespread menace, adding that the 54 arrested suspects will be charged to court immediately.
