The Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, has alleged that recent online attacks against him and the agency are the result of his refusal to grant favours to certain social media figures.
Akerele stated that individuals identified as Sheriffdeen Ojon and ObjectTV had repeatedly pressured him to release motorcycles (okada) and vehicles seized for traffic violations, particularly those caught plying one-way routes across Lagos.
Speaking on Bosenlo, a programme aired on Lagos Traffic Radio 96.1FM, he described the actions of the duo as a coordinated attempt to discredit the agency and damage his reputation.
He further claimed to have evidence, including screenshots of Facebook conversations, showing requests for preferential treatment and subsequent threats of blackmail and online smear campaigns after their demands were declined.
“It is both sad and embarrassing that individuals who should be using their platforms to educate the public have turned them into tools for blackmail, intimidation, and the spread of falsehoods,” he said.
Akerele also reiterated provisions of the Lagos State Road Traffic Law (2018), noting that vehicles caught driving against traffic are liable to forfeiture to the state government.
He stressed that strict enforcement is necessary to curb the dangers of one-way driving, which has resulted in accidents, fatalities, and lasting trauma for victims and their families.
The Taskforce chairman urged the public to be cautious of unverified information circulating online, maintaining that the agency remains committed to enforcing the law without fear or favour and will not be distracted by external pressure.