The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit (Taskforce) has dismissed as false and defamatory an online report claiming its officials towed a vehicle in Ijesha and demanded N250,000 as a bribe for its release.
The agency’s spokesperson, Mr Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, stated on Wednesday night that the taskforce did not tow any vehicle from the Ijesha area to its Alausa yard.
Abdulraheem described the report as misleading, malicious, and without factual basis.
He added, “The owner of the vehicle confirmed that it was not in the custody of the taskforce but elsewhere.”
He further alleged that the report was part of a broader pattern of attempts to discredit the agency and pressure it into compromising its enforcement activities.
He added that this was particularly evident in cases involving violations of the ban on commercial motorcycle operations on restricted routes.
He said that the agency would not be swayed by media campaigns, intimidation, or public sentiment in carrying out its statutory responsibilities under the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018.
The spokesperson said that the taskforce had consistently rejected appeals tied to unofficial arrangements that could undermine enforcement integrity.
According to him, releasing impounded motorcycles outside due process will set a dangerous precedent.
While reaffirming its commitment to public safety and order, the spokesperson urged residents to disregard the allegations.
He encouraged anyone with genuine complaints to submit verifiable evidence through the taskforce’s official feedback channels.
He called on bloggers and social media influencers to uphold ethical standards by verifying information before publication and supporting the rule of law.
