Task Force Impounds 146 motorcycles, prosecutes 21 riders

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The operatives of the Lagos State Task Force on Tuesday impounded 146 motorcycles, popularly known as ‘okada’ and arrested 21 riders at 2nd Rainbow area, Mile 2, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria.

The Chairman of the Agency, SP Olayinka Egbeyemi disclosed that Tuesday’s enforcement operations were carried out based on series of complaints to his office by innocent members of the public on criminal activities perpetuated by motorcycle riders/operators around Mile 2, Orile-Iganmu and Coker Aguda Area.

Egbeyemi disclosed further that activities of motorcycle riders/operators were on the increased as they terrorised innocent members of the public both day and night by dispossessing them of their valuables, such as phones, jewelleries and bags.

He advised motorcycle riders/operators to properly screened out criminals among their membership and educate others to stop plying any of the restricted 475 routes, which included highways and bridges across the State.

The Chairman enjoined private powerbike (200cc above) owners/operators, particularly corporate bodies to warn their dispatched riders to stop engaging in commercial activities as anyone caught violating any sections of the Lagos State Road Traffic Laws of 2012 would be prosecuted.

He, however, confirmed that after the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni was well brifed about the enforcement operations, he directed that all those arrested be charged to court for prosecutions.

Meanwhile, Magistrate Lateef Owolabi of the Lagos State Mobile Court sitting in Oshodi forfeited the impounded 146 motorcycles to government and subsequently sentenced 21 arrested riders/operators to two weeks imprisonment with N5,000 as an options of fine to jail term.

Prosecuting Counsel, Adedoyin Odukoya disclosed that 21 arrested motorcycle riders/operators were convicted after they all pleaded ‘guilty’ to the 2-count charge levelled against them.

The two-count charge are: driving/riding motorcycles on restricted routes contrary to scheduled (1) item (22) of the Lagos State Road Traffic Laws of 2012 and ‘conducts likely to cause breach of peace’ contrary to Section 166 Sub. (1) (d) of Lagos State Criminal Laws of 2011.