The Lagos State Taskforce has arrested 54 individuals alleged of involvement in illegal ticketing and extortion activities targeting trucks and commercial vehicles entering the state.
The arrests were made in key areas, including Isolo, Mushin, Apapa, Mile 2, and Lagos-Badagry Expressway, according to a statement by the Director of Press and Public Affairs,
Lagos State Taskforce, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem.
The spokesman said that the suspects, who specialised in waylaying trucks loaded with goods and imposing unlawful fines on their drivers, had, through their activities, plagued the operators for some time and contributed negatively to delays and disruptions in the smooth flow of goods and services in and out of the state.
Speaking on the arrests, the Chairman of the state Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, stressed that the enforcement exercises are part of the Agency’s mandate to put an end to such unlawful practices.
“This illegal ticketing system has been operating for too long. We are committed to arresting and prosecuting anyone who imposes unjustifiable fines on trucks and commercial vehicles.
“These practices are not only illegal but also detrimental to the state economy,” he said.
Thenewsbearer learnt that the ongoing operation is part of a wider effort by the Taskforce to restore law and order across Lagos and ensuring smooth operation of businesses without the threat of extortion by touts and other illegal actors.
“It is part of our statutory responsibilities to arrest and prosecute anyone involved in the illegal issuance of fines/tickets within the metropolis, therefore we will ensure that anyone involved in this illicit practice is brought to book.”
The Lagos State Taskforce urges residents and business owners to report any suspicious activities to the Agency and assures the public that further arrests will be made to curb this widespread menace.
“The 54 arrested suspects will be charged to court immediately,” CSP Akerele stated.
