Lagos Taskforce has denied bribery allegations and defended Chairman Adetayo Akerele and enforcement operations.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Lagos State Taskforce has strongly denied allegations circulating online that its officials demand bribes before releasing impounded vehicles, describing the report as misleading, defamatory, and aimed at tarnishing the agency’s reputation.
In a statement issued by the agency, the Taskforce dismissed claims published by a reporter linked to Objective Television, which alleged that officials of the enforcement body collect money from motorists before releasing seized vehicles.
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The agency described the report as “unsubstantiated and malicious,” insisting that all its enforcement operations are conducted strictly within the framework of the law.
According to the Taskforce, vehicles impounded during operations are processed through the appropriate legal procedures, and offenders are charged to court where necessary. The agency emphasized that it does not unilaterally determine penalties but relies on judicial processes for the prosecution of traffic violations.
“The enforcement operations of the agency are led by senior and highly disciplined police officers who will not compromise their professional careers or integrity for financial inducements,” the statement said.
The agency also defended its chairman, Adetayo Akerele, describing him as a lawyer and seasoned police officer with a long-standing reputation for professionalism and integrity. The statement added that Akerele, an alumnus of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, could not be undermined by what it described as baseless allegations.
The Taskforce further alleged that the reporter behind the publication failed to reach out to the chairman for clarification before publishing the report, which it said violates fundamental principles of balanced and investigative journalism.
Officials stated that the only time Akerele encountered the reporter was during a briefing at the Lagos State House of Assembly, adding that claims of prior contact or phone conversations were false.
The agency also pointed to what it described as previous inaccuracies in the reporter’s work, including a report that allegedly misattributed the activities of the BRT Monitoring and Enforcement Team on the Ikorodu BRT corridor to the Taskforce.
Reiterating its mandate, the Taskforce stressed that driving against traffic and other related offences remain strictly prohibited under Lagos traffic laws, warning that violators risk prosecution and possible forfeiture of their vehicles.
The agency encouraged motorists who feel aggrieved by enforcement actions to seek redress through the courts rather than resorting to media campaigns or attempts to influence law enforcement officials.
It also called on journalists to uphold professional ethics by conducting proper investigations and presenting balanced reports before publication.
“The Lagos State Taskforce remains committed to safeguarding lives, preventing avoidable accidents, and ensuring orderliness on Lagos roads,” the statement added.
The agency urged members of the public to disregard the bribery allegations, describing them as attempts to mislead the public and undermine its statutory responsibilities under the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018.
Authorities also assured residents that enforcement operations across the state would continue without compromise as part of efforts to maintain safety, public order, and compliance with traffic regulations.
