Lagos, Nigeria – The Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Enforcement Unit has denied allegations circulating online that its officers extorted ₦250,000 from a motorist during an enforcement operation in the Ijesha area of the state.
The agency described the report as false, misleading, and defamatory, urging residents to disregard the claims. The rebuttal was issued in a statement by the Director of Public Affairs, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, on behalf of the Chairman of the Taskforce, CSP Tayo Akerele.
The controversy followed an online report attributed to one Sherifdeen from a platform linked to Òjón Ọmọ Ékó, which alleged that Taskforce officials towed a vehicle in Ijesha and demanded ₦250,000 before releasing it.
Responding to the claim, the agency stated that at no time did its officials tow any vehicle from the Ijesha axis to its yard in Alausa. It added that the owner of the vehicle in question had confirmed that the car was not in the custody of the Taskforce.
According to the statement, available evidence, including the receipt cited in the report, suggests the involvement of a different enforcement body, possibly linked to abandoned vehicle operations. The agency said it was therefore unjustified to associate the allegation with its personnel.
The Taskforce also criticised what it described as poor journalistic standards, accusing those behind the report of failing to verify their claims before publication. It warned against attempts to use media pressure to influence enforcement actions, particularly in cases involving impounded vehicles and motorcycles operating in violation of state laws.
The agency noted that it had recently faced sustained criticism from individuals it described as “armchair critics” and commentators unhappy with its strict enforcement of the ban on commercial motorcycles, commonly known as okada, on restricted routes. It maintained that due process had been followed in all its operations and rejected any calls for waivers that would undermine existing laws.
It further stated that appeals for leniency are sometimes tied to attempts to compromise enforcement integrity, adding that its leadership remains committed to upholding public safety and order.
The Taskforce reaffirmed that it would not be deterred by intimidation, blackmail, or social media campaigns, and encouraged members of the public with genuine complaints to use its official feedback channels and provide verifiable evidence. It added that any proven misconduct by its officers would be addressed in line with service regulations.
The agency urged bloggers and social media users to act responsibly by verifying information before publication and respecting institutional processes. It reiterated its commitment to enforcing the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018 and maintaining order on the state’s roads.
Residents were advised to disregard the allegations, which the agency said were aimed at misleading the public and undermining its operations.
