Ayomide Awe
A transport company, Akmode Transport Limited, has petitioned the Ogun State Government and the Ogun State Internal Revenue Service over the alleged seizure and continued detention of 22 motorcycles belonging to or used by its staff and members during a joint security operation in the state.
The company, through its solicitors, Bolarinwa Odeyale & Co., demanded the immediate release of the motorcycles, disclosure of the legal authority for the operation and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the impoundment.
In separate letters dated October 22, 2026, the solicitors addressed the complaints to the Special Adviser on Security to the Ogun State Governor, AIG Olushola K. Subair (retd.), and the Chairman of OGIRS, with attention to the agency’s Director of Legal Services.
The dispute centres on an operation conducted on October 20, during which the company alleged that motorcycles used by its staff were seized by security personnel and members of transport associations, including the Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN), the Articulated Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria (AMORAN), and the Riders and Owners of Motorcycle Organisation (ROMO).
According to the solicitors, the motorcycles were taken to the Ibara Police Division and the Special Weapons and Tactics unit in Magbon, where they remained in custody as of the date of the petitions.
The company alleged that the operation was connected to the enforcement of daily tickets and the failure of affected motorcycle operators to purchase the tickets.
However, Akmode questioned the legal basis for the exercise, arguing that the continued detention of the motorcycles raised concerns about the enforcement procedure and its consistency with a subsisting judgment of the Ogun State High Court in Suit No. AB/390/2018.
The allegations contained in the petitions and a separate statement issued by the company’s manager, Comrade Mustapha Tiamiyu, have not been independently verified.
In its letter to the Special Adviser on Security, the solicitors said the company had drawn the attention of relevant state officials to the court judgment during a stakeholders’ meeting held on July 14, 2026.
The meeting, according to the letter, was convened to discuss transport union activities, security, public order and the operations of transport groups in Ogun State.
The solicitors claimed that a certified true copy of the judgment was made available to relevant officials at the meeting.
They also challenged the implications of a press statement issued on August 30, 2026, by the state government, which reportedly warned against the activities of unapproved motorcycle associations and illegal revenue collection.
The law firm argued that an administrative statement could not override a binding court judgment where the two were inconsistent.
To support its position, the solicitors cited Section 287(3) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which provides for the enforcement of decisions of courts established under the Constitution.
They also referenced the Supreme Court decision in Military Governor of Lagos State v. Ojukwu (1986) 1 NWLR (Pt. 18) 621, which is associated with the principle that government authorities must act within the law and respect court orders.
The company is seeking clarification on how the October 20 operation was authorised and whether the action was consistent with the judgment it cited.
In a separate petition to OGIRS, the solicitors asked the revenue agency to clarify whether it authorised, directed, participated in or subsequently approved the operation.
They requested copies of any enforcement directive, court order, warrant or other legal instrument relied upon to justify the seizure and continued detention of the motorcycles.
The law firm also asked the agency to identify the statutory provisions governing the disputed daily tickets, the authority responsible for issuing them, the approved charges and any assessment or demand notices served on the affected motorcycle owners or operators.
The solicitors, however, clarified that their client was not challenging the lawful authority of OGIRS to assess and collect taxes.
Rather, they said the complaint concerned the legal basis and manner of the disputed enforcement exercise.
The firm further alleged that additional seizures involving motorcycles belonging to or used by its client’s members were taking place on October 22, urging the revenue agency to intervene to prevent further incidents.
It called for the immediate and unconditional release of the 22 motorcycles to their verified owners or authorised representatives.
In his separate statement, Tiamiyu alleged that motorcycle operators working with the company were subjected to intimidation and harassment during the October 20 operation.
He also alleged that some riders were assaulted, properties were damaged and motorcycles were seized in connection with demands for daily tickets and affiliation with transport associations.
The company further claimed that the incident had disrupted its operations and affected the livelihoods of staff members who depend on the motorcycles for their work.
It also raised concerns about alleged pressure on its riders to join particular transport associations, including ACOMORAN, AMORAN and ROMO.
However, the claims of assault, property damage, coercion and other misconduct have not been independently established.
The company’s solicitors called on the relevant authorities to investigate the allegations and take appropriate disciplinary action against any official found culpable after due process.
They also urged the Special Adviser on Security to provide the legal authority for the operation within 48 hours of receiving the petition and to halt any further action alleged to interfere unlawfully with the company’s operations.
Akmode Transport Limited warned that it could institute legal proceedings if the authorities failed to provide satisfactory responses and comply with its demands.
The company also reserved the right to seek enforcement of the existing judgment and, where legally justified, pursue contempt proceedings.
The solicitors maintained that the dispute should be resolved through lawful procedures, with due regard for the rights of the affected motorcycle owners and operators.
They urged the relevant authorities to clarify the legal basis for the enforcement exercise, establish the circumstances surrounding the seizure of the motorcycles and ensure that any further action complies with applicable laws and court orders.
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