A traumatized victim (name with held), has provided a graphic details of how some special transport task force units set up by the Lagos State Government to ensure law and order on the highways now lure people to fall into their programmed traps.
The victim started by reliving that the expansion and repair of some major roads within the Lagos metropolis which is meant for a good cause is being hijacked by some unscrupulous elements to extort the citizens.
According to him, the incessant gridlock on the roads effected by this work is nerve breaking for the populace and unfortunately the people meant to cushion the effects on the citizens have decided to do otherwise by laying ambush.
He said “I had a traumatising experience in the hands of some Lagos State task force officers on 22nd November 2017. Shortly after the Dopemu bridge along Lagos /Abeokuta expressway where there is a diversion, some group of men were directing motorists to use one way for those trying to connect Akowonjo-Egbeda road”.
“Initially I was reluctant, but when I saw an armed police officer among the people directing vehicles I assumed there must have been a major road block ahead which is why we were being directed to use one way, but alas it was a bait.
“A group of Lagos State task force men were hiding at the other side arresting motorists for driving one way. All efforts to explain to them that it was a police officer that directed us to use one way proved abortive.
“I was arrested alongside some other motorists. An attempt by one of us to demand reason why we were being arrested, knowing that it was one of them that actually gave us the go ahead to use one way, met with a severe beating which landed him in the hospital.
“Upon my arrival at the police station (inside the tax office in Oshodi Lagos opposite lkeja military cantonment Arena) I was shocked when I was stripped of my clothing and locked up in the cell like a criminal.
“I was told to bring the Sum of 100,000N to bail myself after which I would negotiate how much I will pay to recover my car which will be determined by the worth of the car.
“I vehemently refused to pay for either myself or the car, I told them I will rather prefer to be charged to court (which was the reason we were charged to court). Those of us that agreed to their illegal terms were released immediately with their vehicles, that accounts for the reason why out of 25 people arrested only 9 Patriots were arraigned and only one person pleaded guilty (channels news at 10pm 23rd November 2017). I had to spend the night in police custody and was charged to court the following day.
“On the 23rd November I was arraigned along with others before a Magistrate (inside the Tax Office in Oshodi). I pleaded not guilty and the case was adjourned till 7th of December. while I await what will become my fate come that day, I am writing to let other road users, especially those plying that axis, be wary of any uniformed personnel directing them to use one way so that they don’t fall victim like me.
“I am also calling on the Government of Lagos State under the leadership of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to checkmate the activities of this task force and come to the rescue of average Lagosians who are being subjected to all sorts of dehumanization and extortion.
He ended his presentation by saying “Thank you”.
