A commercial motorcycle company, Akmode Transport Limited, has raised the alarm over what it described as the arbitrary seizure of motorcycles and alleged extortion by individuals posing as traffic officials in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The company accused the suspects, allegedly operating under the guise of traffic mayors of Abeokuta South and Abeokuta North Local Governments, of illegally impounding motorcycles belonging to its riders and other motorists across parts of the metropolis.
In a statement issued on Saturday by its Manager, M.O. Tiamiyu, the firm alleged that the individuals operate mainly around the Kuto axis of Abeokuta, where they reportedly seize motorcycles over alleged traffic violations.
According to the company, the alleged offences cited by the suspects include overloading, obstruction, illegal parking, driving against traffic, operating without side mirrors, and assaulting traffic officials.
The firm, however, claimed that the operations of the individuals were unlawful and carried out without proper identification or legal backing.
It alleged that motorcycles and other property seized during such operations were taken to undisclosed locations pending the payment of fines, which reportedly start from N7,500 and above depending on the alleged offence.
The statement further claimed that victims who pay the fines are sometimes compelled to make additional payments of about N1,000 without official receipts before their motorcycles are released.
Akmode Transport Limited also alleged that some victims choose to negotiate directly with the suspects in order to avoid prolonged delays and disruption to their daily activities.
The company said it had reported the alleged activities to relevant authorities, but claimed that the situation had persisted despite what it described as the provision of evidence against those involved.
“We keep wondering whether these individuals are above the law and why they are being shielded from prosecution,” the statement read.
The company also alleged that some security personnel were supporting the activities of the suspects under the claim that they were working for Abeokuta South and Abeokuta North Local Governments as traffic managers.
According to the firm, the development has negatively affected its operations and subjected its riders to hardship, while also disrupting commercial motorcycle services in parts of the city.
Akmode Transport Limited called on security agencies in Ogun State to urgently intervene, investigate the allegations, and halt what it described as illegal activities in the interest of justice and public order.
The company also reiterated its commitment to operating within the law while urging authorities to ensure a level playing field for transport operators in the state.
Efforts to obtain reactions from officials of Abeokuta South and Abeokuta North Local Governments were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
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