The Lagos State Taskforce has dismissed as false and malicious a report circulating online which alleged that its officials collect bribes before releasing impounded vehicles.
In a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, the Agency described the claim—credited to a reporter from an online media platform associated with Objective Television—as misleading, defamatory, and an attempt to tarnish the image of the Taskforce and its leadership.
According to the Agency, all enforcement operations are properly documented and carried out strictly within the provisions of the law. It noted that cases involving impounded vehicles are processed through appropriate legal channels, with offenders charged to court where necessary, stressing that the Taskforce does not assume the role of judge in such matters.
The statement further emphasised that enforcement activities are led by senior and disciplined police officers who would not compromise their professional integrity for financial inducements.
The Agency also defended its Chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele, describing him as a lawyer and seasoned police officer with a reputation built over decades of professional service. It maintained that the allegations were baseless and incapable of undermining his integrity.
The Taskforce stated that the reporter who authored the report never engaged the Chairman on the issue as claimed, adding that the story lacked proper investigation and violated basic principles of balanced journalism.
It also alleged that the publication appeared to be an attempt to pressure law enforcement authorities to release traffic violators through intimidation and damaging online reports, an approach the Agency said undermines due process and public safety.
While urging journalists to uphold professionalism and avoid biased or defamatory reporting, the Taskforce advised individuals dissatisfied with its enforcement actions to seek redress through the courts rather than resort to undue influence or media pressure.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Chairman only met the reporter during a Lagos State House of Assembly briefing and no exchange of phone numbers took place as claimed,” the statement said.
The Agency also pointed out that the reporter had previously misrepresented the activities of the BRT Monitoring and Enforcement Team on the Ikorodu BRT corridor as those of the Taskforce, describing it as further evidence of misleading reporting.
Reaffirming its stance, the Taskforce stressed that driving against traffic and other traffic violations remain strictly prohibited under Lagos State laws, warning that offenders would continue to face prosecution.
It maintained that enforcement measures, though sometimes perceived as strict, are necessary to safeguard lives, prevent accidents, and ensure order on Lagos roads.
The Agency added that any member of the public with credible evidence of misconduct by its personnel is encouraged to come forward, assuring that verified cases would attract disciplinary actions in line with service regulations.
The Taskforce also criticised the reporter for allegedly failing to condemn other traffic violations such as the illegal operation of commercial motorcycles (Okada) on restricted routes, noting that journalists should use their platforms to educate the public and promote compliance with the law.
It therefore urged members of the public to disregard the extortion claims, describing them as deliberate attempts to mislead and incite public sentiment against the Agency.
The statement concluded that the Lagos State Taskforce remains committed to its mandate under the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018, pledging to continue enforcing traffic regulations and resisting any form of intimidation, blackmail, or undue influence aimed at obstructing its duties.
