Lagos Taskforce denies claims of bribery over impounded vehicles

The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit (Taskforce) has dismissed allegations that its officials collect bribes before releasing impounded vehicles.

The agency’s spokesperson, Mr Abdulraheem Gbadeyan, denied the allegations in a statement issued on Thursday in Lagos.

He said an online report wrongly accused the taskforce of bribery and shady dealings involving seized vehicles.

Gbadeyan described the claims as misleading and malicious, insisting that all enforcement operations are conducted strictly according to the law and established legal procedures.

“Matters relating to impounded vehicles are handled through due process, with offenders charged to court for prosecution where necessary,” he said.

He dismissed the allegations as unsubstantiated and entirely false, stressing that the agency and its leadership do not assume the role of judge.

The spokesperson defended the chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele, describing him as a seasoned police officer and lawyer with a reputation for integrity.

Gbadeyan said the online medium behind the allegations never contacted the chairman for clarification before publishing the report.

He said such a step was necessary to ensure balance and fairness in professional journalism.

The image maker added that enforcement operations were led by senior police officers who would not compromise their careers for financial inducements.

According to him, the publication may have been an attempt to pressure authorities to release vehicles belonging to traffic offenders through criticism and social media intimidation.

“Traffic offences, including driving against traffic, are serious violations under Lagos State laws and may attract stiff penalties, including possible forfeiture of the vehicle,” he said.

Gbadeyan said the chairman met the reporter only once during a briefing at the Lagos State House of Assembly.

He added that no exchange of phone numbers occurred, contrary to claims made in the report.

“The reporter previously misattributed activities of the Bus Rapid Transit monitoring team on the Ikorodu corridor to the taskforce,” he said.

He said the error further demonstrated inaccuracies in the reporting.

Gbadeyan urged aggrieved members of the public to seek redress through the courts rather than attempt to influence officials through personal connections or media pressure.

He encouraged anyone with credible evidence of misconduct by officers to come forward, assuring that disciplinary measures would follow if wrongdoing is proven.

Gbadeyan reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to enforcing its mandate under the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law 2018. (NAN)

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