Odita Sunday 
Lagos Taskforce Denies Bribery Allegations, Reaffirms Commitment to Lawful Enforcement
By Odita Sunday
The Lagos State Taskforce has rejected allegations circulating online that its officials collect bribes before releasing impounded vehicles, describing the claims as false and intended to damage the agency’s reputation.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, the agency said the report linked to a journalist from an online platform associated with Objective Television was misleading and defamatory.
The Taskforce maintained that its enforcement operations are conducted strictly in line with the law and are properly documented.
According to the agency, vehicles impounded during enforcement exercises are processed through appropriate legal procedures, and offenders are charged to court where necessary.
The agency stressed that it does not determine the guilt of offenders, noting that such decisions are left to the courts.
Officials further stated that enforcement operations are supervised by senior police officers who uphold professional standards and would not compromise their integrity for financial gain.
The Taskforce also defended its Chairman, Adetayo Akerele, describing him as a legal practitioner and experienced police officer with decades of service. It insisted that the allegations against him and the agency lacked merit and were incapable of undermining his professional record.
According to the statement, the journalist responsible for the report never contacted the Chairman to verify the claims, contrary to what was suggested in the publication. The agency said this omission violated basic principles of balanced and responsible journalism.
The Taskforce further alleged that the report appeared to be an attempt to pressure authorities into releasing traffic offenders through media intimidation and negative publicity.
It urged journalists to adhere to professional standards and avoid publishing unverified or defamatory claims.
Individuals dissatisfied with the Taskforce’s enforcement actions were advised to seek legal redress through the courts rather than resort to media pressure.
The agency clarified that the Chairman’s only interaction with the reporter occurred during a briefing at the Lagos State House of Assembly, noting that no exchange of phone numbers took place as claimed.
In addition, the Taskforce accused the reporter of previously misrepresenting the activities of the Bus Rapid Transit monitoring team operating along the Ikorodu corridor as those of the Taskforce.
Reiterating its position, the agency said traffic violations such as driving against traffic remain offences under Lagos State laws and warned that violators would continue to face prosecution.
While acknowledging that enforcement actions may sometimes appear strict, the Taskforce said such measures are necessary to protect lives, reduce accidents and maintain order on the state’s roads.
The agency also encouraged members of the public with credible evidence of misconduct by any of its personnel to report such cases, assuring that verified complaints would attract disciplinary action.
It further criticised the journalist for allegedly ignoring other traffic-related violations, including the illegal operation of commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, on restricted routes.
The Taskforce called on the public to disregard the bribery claims, describing them as deliberate attempts to mislead the public and undermine its work.
The statement concluded that the agency remains committed to enforcing provisions of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law 2018 and vowed to resist intimidation, blackmail or any form of undue influence aimed at obstructing its duties.
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