Lagos Taskforce Chairman Adetayo Akerele has alleged blackmail by Social Media Operators over seized vehicles.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, Adetayo Akerele, has broken his silence over recent online attacks against him, alleging that the criticism stems from his refusal to grant special favours to certain social media operators seeking the release of impounded vehicles.
Akerele disclosed this during a radio programme, Bosenlo, aired on Lagos Traffic Radio 96.1FM, where he accused individuals identified as Sheriffdeen Ojon and Objectv of orchestrating a coordinated campaign to tarnish his reputation and undermine the credibility of the agency.
According to the taskforce chairman, the individuals had repeatedly lobbied for the release of motorcycles, popularly known as okada, and other vehicles impounded for traffic violations, particularly for driving against traffic on Lagos roads.
Akerele said he declined the requests and insisted on strict enforcement of traffic laws, which allegedly triggered threats of blackmail and online smear campaigns. He further revealed that he possesses screenshots of Facebook chat messages showing how the individuals allegedly demanded preferential treatment and resorted to threats when their requests were denied.
“It is both sad and embarrassing that individuals who should be using their social media platforms to disseminate meaningful and enlightening information to the public have instead turned them into tools for blackmail, intimidation, and the spread of falsehoods and half-truths,” he said.
The chairman also reiterated the provisions of the Lagos State Road Traffic Law 2018, noting that vehicles caught driving against traffic are liable to outright forfeiture to the Lagos State Government. He stressed that strict enforcement of the law is necessary to curb the dangerous practice of one-way driving, which has resulted in avoidable accidents, loss of lives, and long-term trauma for victims and their families.
Akerele urged members of the public to treat information circulating on such platforms with caution, describing the actions as misleading and questionable in intent. He reaffirmed his commitment to enforcing the law without fear or favour, assuring residents that the taskforce would not be intimidated or distracted from its mandate of maintaining order and safety on Lagos roads.
The statement was signed by Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, Director of Public Affairs, Lagos State Taskforce.
