The Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Enforcement Unit (Taskforce) has dismissed a viral allegation accusing its officers of extorting N250,000 from a motorist, describing the claim as false, malicious, and aimed at tarnishing its image.
The allegation, which spread across social media, claimed that officials of the Taskforce towed a vehicle in the Ijesha area of Lagos and demanded the sum before releasing it.
The report was attributed to a source identified as Sherifdeen and linked to a platform associated with Òjón Omo Ékó.
But the agency, in a statement on Friday by its Chairman, Chief Superintendent of Police Tayo Akerele, through its Director of Public Affairs, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, firmly denied any involvement in the alleged incident.
According to the Taskforce, no vehicle was towed from the Ijesha axis to its facility in Alausa, adding that preliminary checks revealed that the claim lacked any factual basis.
“The allegation is entirely false and devoid of any factual basis,” the statement said, noting that the vehicle owner cited in the report also confirmed that the Taskforce did not impound the vehicle.
The agency further stated that available evidence, including the receipt referenced in the viral claim, pointed to the involvement of another enforcement body, possibly linked to abandoned vehicle operations.
Describing the report as part of a pattern of unethical and misleading publications, the Taskforce cautioned against unverified accusations capable of undermining its operations and public trust.
It also suggested that recent attacks on the agency stemmed from its firm stance against violations of the state’s ban on commercial motorcycles, popularly known as okada, on restricted routes.
The Taskforce stressed that it would not be pressured into releasing impounded vehicles or motorcycles outside established legal procedures, warning that such actions would weaken law enforcement and compromise public safety.
It reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the law without fear or favour, adding that attempts to influence its operations through media campaigns or public sentiment would not succeed.
Residents were urged to rely on verified information and disregard the viral report, as the agency pledged continued adherence to due process in all enforcement activities.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
