By Philemon Amos
The Lagos State Government has confirmed the arrest of three fake enforcement personnel in different parts of the Agege and Okota areas.
In an official statement delivered by government spokesperson Bolanle Ogunlola, the government confirmed the arrest of three individuals who were posing as enforcement personnel in Lagos.
The arrest aligns with the Lagos State Government’s ongoing efforts to clean up the transport sector by apprehending individuals who falsely represent themselves as government enforcement officials.
The fake enforcers were publicly displayed at the Ministry of Transportation on Wednesday. The three individuals were identified as Olayinka Daniel, Shola Babarinde, and Ilesanmi.
The arrest came about after a motorist reported the incident, stating that the suspects had forcibly entered his vehicle and accused him of lacking a Stage Carriage Permit. Despite the motorist having other valid vehicle documents, the fake enforcement personnel demanded a payment of N15,500 from him.According to Ogunlola, the fake enforcement personnel admitted to not only collecting alleged fines but also confessed to selling unauthorized Local Government Emblems to vehicle operators in the area. Their activities were carried out under the supervision of an individual named “Mr. Tunji,” residing around Oniwaya axis in Agege area.
In a separate incident, additional fake enforcement officials were apprehended at Ago Palace Way in Okota, Lagos state. These individuals were involved in unlawfully extorting truck drivers, claiming to be working for the Local Government. However, they were unable to provide proper identification when arrested.
Reacting to the rising issue of fraudulent activities by these fake enforcers, Engr. Abdulhafiz Toriola, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, assured that decisive actions would be taken against them. The culprits have been handed over to the Police, and the government intends to apply appropriate punishment in accordance with the provisions of the Lagos State Traffic Law 2018. These measures aim to address their misconduct, which tarnished the reputation of the state government and caused distress to motorists.