The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, has dismissed allegations circulating on social media accusing operatives of the Lagos State Task Force of collecting money from motorists.
Jimoh made the clarification while briefing journalists on Monday at the command’s headquarters in Lagos, describing the claims as false and malicious.
He said the police were compelled to address the issue following a viral video posted by an online platform which allegedly showed task force officials collecting money from motorists.
According to him, a thorough investigation carried out by the police found the allegation to be unfounded.
Jimoh noted that the Lagos State Task Force on Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Enforcement Unit had been effective in maintaining order on roads and public spaces across the state.
“The claim that its personnel are collecting money is far from the truth and is malicious,” he said.
The police commissioner said 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 work properly, the effects would be obvious given the huge population and daily activities across the state,” he said.
Jimoh further alleged that the viral video was circulated by an online platform whose owner had previously intervened on behalf of individuals arrested for environmental sanitation and traffic offences.
He said the video was published to discredit the task force after attempts to secure the release of offenders failed, adding that the incident occurred on March 13 in Ikorodu.
According to him, the situation began around 6:30 a.m. when task force operatives were carrying out routine enforcement against motorists driving against traffic.
He said a driver was intercepted while attempting to make an illegal turn against traffic.
“In an attempt to evade arrest, the driver reversed his vehicle and rammed into an oncoming commercial minibus, damaging the vehicle and endangering the lives of passengers and law enforcement officers,” he said.
Jimoh added that the driver resisted arrest and obstructed traffic, causing gridlock along the corridor.
“The suspect was subsequently handed over to the task force for further investigation, while the damaged bus was towed to the office in Oshodi,” he said.
He also said the suspect attempted to incite bystanders against the enforcement officers, which led to the throwing of stones and other objects at security personnel.
According to him, the viral video was recorded by the suspect while he was being transported away from the scene and did not capture the full details of the incident.
“The video circulating online does not reflect the true events that occurred at the scene. It was deliberately recorded to mislead the public,” he said.
Jimoh said the driver was arraigned on four charges and granted bail but was remanded after failing to meet the bail conditions, stressing that only the court has the authority to order prison custody.
He urged motorists and other road users to obey traffic regulations and cooperate with law enforcement agencies.
The commissioner also warned members of the public against spreading misleading information capable of undermining the work of security agencies.