By; RAYMOND TEDUNJAYE, Lagos
The Lagos State Taskforce has apprehended no fewer than 54 suspects over alleged involvement in illegal ticketing and extortion activities.
They were alleged to have targeted trucks and commercial vehicles entering the state as their major victims.
As learnt, the suspects were arrested in key areas like Isolo, Mushin, Apapa, Mile 2, and Lagos-Badagry Expressway.
The suspects who specialize in waylaying trucks loaded with goods and imposing unlawful fines on them have through their activities, plagued truck 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 in a statement by Gbadeyan Abdulraheem Director Press & Public Affairs, the Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele emphasized that these 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 far too long. We are committed to arresting and prosecuting anyone who imposes unjustified fines on trucks and commercial vehicles. These practices are not only illegal but also detrimental to the state’s economy,” he said.
The ongoing operation is part of a wider effort by the Taskforce to restore law and order across Lagos, ensuring that businesses can operate 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 release stated that the suspects will be charged to court immediately.
