Lagos Police Dismiss Extortion Claims Against Task Force, Cite Misleading Viral Video
The Lagos State Police Command has firmly dismissed allegations that operatives of the Lagos State Task Force on Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit were involved in extortion activities. In a detailed statement, the command described a viral video circulating online as misleading and intended to tarnish the reputation of the task force.
Commissioner Addresses Allegations and Viral Video
State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, emphasized that the task force plays a crucial role in maintaining order by enforcing traffic regulations and environmental laws. He revealed that a preliminary investigation into the claims found them to be false. "I have directed a full-scale investigation into the allegation that task force personnel were collecting money, and we found out that it was not true. It is far from the truth and malicious in all ramifications," Jimoh stated.
The viral video, posted by Objective Media, accused task force officials of unlawful arrest and collecting money from offenders. However, Jimoh explained that the video originated from an incident on March 13, 2026, around 6:30 a.m., during a routine operation in the Ikorodu area against motorists driving against traffic.
Details of the Incident and Arrest
According to the commissioner, police officers intercepted a driver identified as Lateef Adeyemo, who was attempting an illegal turn against traffic regulations. "In an attempt to evade arrest, the driver reversed his vehicle and rammed into an oncoming commercial minibus, thereby damaging the vehicle and endangering the lives of passengers and officers on duty," Jimoh detailed.
He added that the suspect resisted arrest and allegedly incited bystanders to throw stones and objects at enforcement officers. The viral video was recorded by the suspect himself while being taken from the scene, but it did not capture the full circumstances of his offence.
The suspect was later arraigned before a mobile court in Oshodi on a four-count charge, including:
- Conduct likely to cause a breach of peace
- Driving against traffic
- Obstruction of public officers
- Malicious damage to property
The court granted bail, but the suspect was remanded after failing to meet the conditions. Jimoh clarified that the police do not send suspects to correctional centres; their role is to arraign suspects, with courts deciding on bail or remand.
Task Force Chairman Addresses Enforcement Practices
Chairman of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Enforcement Unit, Chief Superintendent of Police Adetayo Akerele, addressed allegations during a quarterly media parley. He stated that no law mandates officials to take over the steering of motorists, but experiences such as being driven to Army Barracks have necessitated this action in some cases.
"There is no law that permits anyone to take over steering and drive another person’s vehicle but when you see the way a particular driver reacts when accosted, you will realise what the person is capable of doing. So, wisdom is applied," Akerele explained.
He also addressed confusion over BRT corridor enforcement, noting that rules were established for public safety and convenience. Akerele responded to Objective TV Media's claims, accusing them of ascribing an enforcement operation by a sister agency to the task force and resorting to blackmail after realizing their error.
Commitment to Public Service and Transparency
Akerele emphasized that the task force remains open to suggestions from residents but will not be distracted by selfish interests. "We will continue to do our best to rid the state of all forms of environmental nuisance... We will also continue to refuse to let the selfish interests or demands of individuals distract or derail us from our fundamental duties," he affirmed.
Commissioner Jimoh urged motorists and residents to obey traffic regulations and cooperate with law enforcement officers. "We urge all road users to always obey traffic regulations and cooperate with law enforcement officers in the discharge of their duties," he concluded, reinforcing the command's commitment to maintaining order in Lagos State.
