The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Olohundare Jimoh, has dismissed allegations circulating on social media accusing operatives of the Lagos State Task Force on Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Enforcement Unit of collecting money from motorists.
Speaking during a briefing with journalists in Lagos on Monday, Jimoh described the claims as false and malicious. He said the police command was forced to address the issue after a viral video posted by an online platform allegedly showed task force officials extorting motorists.
According to the commissioner, an investigation carried out by the police found the allegation to be baseless. He maintained that the task force has been carrying out its duties effectively in enforcing traffic and environmental regulations across the state.
“The claim that its personnel are collecting money is far from the truth and is malicious,” Jimoh said.
He explained that Lagos, with an estimated population of between 23 and 25 million people, requires strict enforcement of traffic and sanitation laws to maintain order.
Jimoh further alleged that the viral video was circulated by an online platform whose owner had earlier attempted to intervene on behalf of individuals arrested for environmental sanitation and traffic violations.
The commissioner said the incident behind the controversy occurred on March 13 in Ikorodu during a routine operation by the task force against motorists driving against traffic.
According to him, operatives intercepted a driver attempting to make an illegal turn. In an attempt to escape arrest, the driver reportedly reversed his vehicle and rammed into an oncoming commercial minibus, damaging it and putting passengers and officers at risk.
Jimoh added that the suspect resisted arrest and blocked the road, causing traffic congestion in the area. He also allegedly tried to incite bystanders against the officers, leading to stones and other objects being thrown at the security personnel.
“The suspect was later handed over to the task force for further investigation, while the damaged bus was towed to their office in Oshodi,” he said.
The commissioner noted that the viral video circulating online was recorded by the suspect while being transported from the scene and did not capture the full details of the incident.
“The video does not reflect the true events that occurred. It was deliberately recorded to mislead the public,” Jimoh said.
He revealed that the driver was arraigned on four charges and granted bail but was remanded after failing to meet the bail conditions. Jimoh stressed that prison custody decisions are made by the courts, not the police.
The police chief urged motorists and other road users to obey traffic regulations and cooperate with law enforcement agencies. He also cautioned the public against spreading misleading information capable of undermining the work of security agencies.
