Operatives of the Lagos State Taskforce have arrested no fewer than 51 suspected members of a gang that specialise in harassing truck drivers along the Apapa-Oshodi and Lagos-Badagry Expressways.
The operation was led by the agency’s Chairman, Shola Jejeloye, on Tuesday.
This was contained in a statement by Jubril Gawat, the Senior Special Assistant on New Media to the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and posted on his X handle on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the suspects have been coercing truck drivers to part with money under the pretext of working for the defunct Lagos State Parks and Garages Agency.
Jejeloye has also expressed disgust at how these suspects attack their victims on the highways.
The statement read, “The Lagos State Taskforce today in a significant operation led by the Chairman of the Agency, CSP Shola Jejeloye, successfully apprehended 51 notorious members of a highway gang known for harassing truck drivers along the Apapa-Oshodi and Lagos-Badagry Expressway.
“One of the victims, Victor Aiyegbosi, a truck driver with one of the transport companies who was at their mercy recently described them as inhumane in their dealings.
“He disclosed that they damage their trucks by ripping off cables and shattering the windows and mirrors just to have their way.
“CSP Jejeloye issues a stern warning to others engaged in acts of impersonation and extortion, urging them to desist forthwith or risk being prosecuted. The Lagos State Government remains committed to ensuring the safety and efficiency of transportation networks within the state as enshrined in the THEMES Plus agenda of the present administration.”
The 51 suspects have been charged to court where eight out of them pleaded guilty and were sentenced to seven months imprisonment with an option of N65,000 fine.
The remaining 43 suspects pleaded not guilty and their hearing was adjourned till March 1, 2024.
