Officials of Lagos Transport Agency Make Brisk Money Extorting Unsuspecting Motorists

A man simply identified as Engineer Ade has accused the Lagos state government’s Transport Operations Compliance Unit (TOCU) of extortion

Narrating his encounter with officers of the agency on August 28, 2023, Engineer Ade said his car was seized on the Allen Avenue Road while he was asking for direction from a vendor and towed to an undisclosed location

“On August 28, 2023, an unfortunate encounter unfolded involving LASG’s Transport Operations Compliance Unit (TOCU). While parked near a kiosk on Allen Avenue Road, I sought directions from a vendor. Suddenly, a towing vehicle arrived with four men. They seized my car, and we were taken to an undisclosed location.”

“In the back seat, I learned my offense was crossing a “yellow line.” Despite the circumstances, I refrained from arguing. After reaching a gas station at “Odo Iya Alaro,” area of Ojota, I realized it wasn’t an official government facility.”

“Six vehicles were present, with at least one arriving every 20 minutes, escorted into the open space yard. Patrol vehicles with LASG branding escorted vehicles, each team having 4-5 members.”

He added that the sum of N30K was demanded from him.

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“The operation seemed aimed at extorting money, tarnishing the State’s image. The legality of TOCU’s actions is questionable. My vehicle was released after contacting a senior official. They initially denied my request to collect official receipt and make payments for the N30K demanded.”

“This incident reflects broader exploitation by such individuals. Average monthly amount raked at that location is a minimum of N12mln (20 vehicles X N30K each X 5 days per wk, X 4 wks / month).”

He however called on the Lagos state government to quickly address the issue

“Such issues extend beyond Lagos State, highlighting the need for change, even at all levels in government, across various government parastatals throughout the nation.”

“Our plea to the State Leadership is to work to guide against such exploitation, by these fellows & many others. There should be an escalation channel to address such issues.”