By Damilare Adeleye
The Lagos State Task Force has arrested 54 touts for illegal ticketing and extortion of trucks and commercial vehicles.
The suspects were arrested in different locations, including Isolo, Mushin, Apapa, Mile 2, and Lagos-Badagry Expressway.
According to the agency, the suspects specialize in waylaying trucks loaded with goods and imposing unlawful fines on them.
It noted that the activities of the touts cause delays and disruptions in the smooth movement of goods and services in and out of the state.
Speaking on the arrest, the Chairman of the Task Force, Adetayo Akerele, emphasized that the enforcement exercise was part of the agency’s mandate to put an end to such unlawful practice.
“This illegal ticketing system has been operating for far too long. We are committed to arresting and prosecuting anyone who imposes unjustified fines on trucks and commercial vehicles. These practices are illegal and detrimental to the state’s economy,” Director Press & Public Affairs of Lagos State Taskforce, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, quoted him as saying.
“It is part of our statutory responsibilities to arrest and prosecute anyone involved in the illegal issuance of fines/tickets within the Metropolis therefore we will ensure that anyone involved in this illicit practice is brought to book.”
The task force urged residents and business owners to report any suspicious activities to the agency, assuring the public that further arrests would be made to curb the menace of illegal ticketing and extortion.
It added that the 54 arrested suspects would be charged in court immediately.
We need Lagos state Task force in Alakija area Festac axis , we have nuisance and miscreants causing havoc to motorist and citizens without regards.