By Moyinoluwa Ojegbade
LAGOS – Some motorists and road users have alleged that officials of the Lagos State Motorcycle Operators Association and law enforcement personnel engage in extortion along major roads in Lagos, calling on the state government to strengthen oversight and accountability.
Speaking to Trust Africa News, Durotoye Akinyemi alleged that some officials frequently set up informal checkpoints during the early hours of the morning, at night, or in traffic-prone areas where motorists are stopped for what he described as minor or, in some cases, fabricated traffic violations.
According to him, affected motorists are often pressured to make unofficial payments to avoid delays or further action.
Another resident, Segun Ogunshola, claimed there are instances where traffic officials and police officers appear to operate together at certain checkpoints. He alleged that such collaboration creates confusion for motorists, particularly along the Fagba Road corridor, where many drivers are uncertain about which agency has the legal authority to enforce specific traffic regulations.
Olushola Olaniyi, who said he travels through Fagba Road daily, described what he believes is a culture of corruption within traffic enforcement. He alleged that some motorists, commercial tricycle operators and drivers are intimidated or assaulted when they refuse to make unofficial payments.
He urged the Lagos State Government and relevant security authorities to strengthen monitoring of traffic enforcement personnel and encouraged members of the public to report alleged misconduct through official complaint channels and the media.
Also speaking, Folashade Akinleye attributed the alleged extortion to economic pressures, arguing that inadequate salaries may contribute to corrupt practices among some officials.
She called on the government to improve the welfare of traffic enforcement personnel, saying better remuneration could reduce the temptation to engage in unethical practices and help restore public confidence in law enforcement agencies.
The Lagos State Government and the Nigeria Police Force have repeatedly stated that extortion and other forms of misconduct by public officials are unacceptable and have encouraged members of the public to report proven cases through their official complaint and disciplinary channels for investigation.Copyright TRUSTAFRICA NEWS.
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