Extortion allegations against Taskforce unfounded, malicious, says Lagos CP
…police boss clears air on viral video By Precious Igbonwelundu The Lagos Police Command has dismissed allegations of extortion against officials of the state’s Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Unit
...police boss clears air on viral video
By Precious Igbonwelundu
The Lagos Police Command has dismissed allegations of extortion against officials of the state's Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Unit (Taskforce), urging the public to shun misinformation and misrepresentation of facts.
Commissioner of Police (CP) Olohundare Jimoh made the clarification while reacting to a viral video of an incident that occurred weekend at Ikorodu.
In the video, Taskforce officials were alleged to have deliberately driven a motorist's vehicle against traffic, parked it on the wrong spot and recorded it to generate evidence which they used in extorting him.
But the CP described the claims as malicious, noting that the command had investigated the allegations and found them to be untrue.
He said the command was compelled to address the issue because the Taskforce has been performing effectively in ensuring orderliness on roads and in public spaces.
“The claim that its personnel are collecting money is far from the truth and is malicious.
"Lagos, with an estimated population of between 23 and 25 million residents, requires strict enforcement of traffic and environmental regulations to maintain order.
“If the task force was not doing its job properly, the effects would be obvious given the huge population and daily activities across the state,” he said.
Giving details of the incident, the CP said around 6:30am on Friday, Highway Patrol operatives during routine enforcement against motorists flouting traffic laws intercepted the driver while attempting to make an illegal turn.
“In an attempt to evade arrest, the driver reversed his vehicle and rammed into an oncoming commercial minibus, damaging it and endangering the lives of passengers and law enforcement officers.
"The suspected resisted arrest and obstructed traffic, causing gridlock along the corridor. He was subsequently handed over to the Taskforce for further investigation, while the damaged bus was towed to the unit's office in Oshodi.
“He also attempted to incite bystanders against enforcement officers, leading to the pelting of stones and other objects at security personnel,” CP Jimoh said.
He noted that the viral video was recorded by the suspect himself while being transported from the scene and did not capture the full details of the incident.
Read Also: Unilever Nigeria promotes holistic wellness for women
“The video circulating online does not reflect the true events that occurred. It was deliberately recorded to mislead the public,” he said.
CP Jimoh stated that the driver was arraigned on four charges, adding that he was granted bail by the court but yet to perfect his bail conditions, which necessitated his remand in prison custody by the court pending bail perfection.
He urged motorists and other road users to obey traffic regulations and cooperate with law enforcement agencies.
"The Lagos State Police Command remains committed to the safety and security of all residents and visitors. We will continue to prevent and combat crime while ensuring that Lagosians go about their lawful activities without fear.
"We appreciate the continued support of the Lagos State Government under the leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, civil society organisations, and members of the public.
"We also encourage citizens to report any misconduct by law enforcement personnel through official channels so that appropriate action can be taken.
While the police serve the public, mutual respect between citizens and law enforcement officers is essential for maintaining order in our society," he said.
