Commercial drivers and private motorists plying the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway are raising alarm over a surge in illegal activities by self-styled revenue collectors. These individuals, often referred to as "revenue boys," are reportedly extorting money and stealing from road users, creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity along the critical transport corridor.
Motorists Narrate Harrowing Experiences of Extortion
The illegal operators are said to be most active around specific areas, including the Long Bridge, OPIC, Kara, and Berger axis. They primarily target vehicles that are parked or slowed down due to the notorious traffic gridlocks or mechanical issues. According to victims, the collectors demand arbitrary fees and often resort to threats, theft, and vandalism if confronted.
Several drivers shared their distressing encounters. One motorist reported that on Monday, January 5, 2026, a colleague was forced to pay a staggering N35,000 after merely stopping to check a strange noise in his car. Another, Tunde James, recounted paying N50,000 to the hoodlums in the previous year.
A commercial driver, Adekunle Ali, explained the varying scale of extortion. "I often pay between N500 and N2,000," he said, noting that private car owners tend to be charged even higher amounts out of fear. He confirmed that the illegal fees can start from as low as N100.
Exploitation During Gridlock and Breakdowns
The situation becomes particularly dire during traffic standstills. Drivers allege that the collectors exploit these moments to move between vehicles, demanding money and seizing the opportunity to steal passengers' belongings like phones and purses.
"Sometimes, when there is traffic gridlock on the bridge, they take advantage of the situation to collect money from us and even steal from passengers," one driver stated. Ali added, "When there is heavy traffic and we try to take another route, those boys will block the road, demand money and also use the opportunity to steal."
Another driver, Abiodun Olatayo, condemned the dual menace of illegal taxation and robbery, which is especially severe when vehicles break down. He urged the state government to find a lasting solution, suggesting the deployment of Amotekun security operatives to the highway.
Local Council and Police Promise Crackdown
In response to the growing outcry, the Executive Chairman of Ifo Local Council, Idris Kusimo, has declared the activities of these individuals completely illegal. He emphasized that the council did not authorize any such revenue collection on the expressway.
Kusimo disclosed that he has taken concrete steps to address the issue. "I have published a public notice on the issue to the police. The local council authority did not ask them to collect money from anybody," he stated firmly.
He also revealed that he has met with the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the affected areas to strategize on apprehending the culprits. While noting that the collectors seemed to vanish during official visits, Kusimo vowed to persist. "I promise we are going to fish them out. I already have people monitoring the areas, and we are working with the police to arrest any of them," he asserted, warning that anyone caught would face the full wrath of the law.
The affected drivers continue to plead with the Ogun State government and police authorities to intervene decisively. They are calling for a permanent security presence on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway to safeguard lives and property and put an end to the reign of these illegal collectors.
