The accused Army officer, an okada rider who was observed traveling just in one direction on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, was taken into custody by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday.Wale Ajetunmobi, Sanwo-Olu's Senior Special Assistant on Media, tweeted a video of the event that became viral on X.
One of the perpetrators, an Army lance corporal who was apprehended while riding his bike, was spotted identifying himself to Sanwo-Olu as an officer.
"Is it possible for this person to inform me that he is an Army officer?" That's one more reason why you'll be imprisoned, the governor said.
In June 2023, the Lagos State Government reaffirmed that the prohibition on commercial motorbikes, also known as "okadas," remains in effect in 10 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 15 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) inside the city.
This was said by Sola Giwa, Special Advisor to the Governor on Transportation, during a visit of some state-restricted areas where a significant number of motorcycle riders, or "okada riders," have resumed their activities.
Giwa reiterated in a statement that okada is not permitted in any local council, including those in Kosofe, Oshodi-Isolo, Somolu, Mushin, Apapa, Ikeja, and Lagos Island.
In addition, the Local Council Development Areas that are under Lagos Mainland, Surulere, Eti-Osa, Ojodu, Onigbongbo, Lagos Island East, Yaba, and Coker Aguda are also impacted.
The Special Adviser advises motorcyclists and passengers to avoid Itire-Ikate, Eti-Osa West, Iru Victoria Island, Ikoyi-Obalende, Ikosi-Isheri, Agboyi-Ketu, Isolo, Ejigbo, Bariga, and Odi-Olowo.
Additionally, he pleaded with the public to obey, warning that if caught and convicted, both riders and passengers may face up to three years in prison, with their motorcycles being impounded and crushed in plain sight.
Giwa claims that this is compliant with the provisions of the Transport Sector Reform Law (TSRL), 2018, Section 46, Subsections 1, 2, and 3.