Afrigather 
The Lagos State Taskforce has efficiently apprehended 51 infamous members of a freeway gang recognized for harassing truck drivers alongside the Apapa/ Oshodi and Lagos/Badagry Expressway.
Confirming their arrest to newsmen, the chairman of the taskforce, CSP Shola Jejeloye, mentioned these set of people have been recognized for his or her brazen techniques, coercing truck drivers to half with cash below the pretext of working for the defunct Lagos State Parks and Garages Company. He acknowledged that working with impunity, the gang has subjected many drivers to bodily hurt and acts of bestiality once they resist extortion makes an attempt.
“We’ve been on the path of this gang for some time after receiving a number of complaints from highway customers who ply this hall. We even heard of Situations of drivers who refused to conform and later confronted violent threats, together with the elimination of important truck elements equivalent to batteries and mirrors proper on the expressway” Jejeloye mentioned
The Chairman expressed disgust on the method the miscreants wreak pointless havoc on the Highways within the title of Parks and Garages regardless of the official pronouncement on the ban on the actions of the Company late final yr.
“The heart to carry out these acts are fairly baffling. They threaten their victims at day time and night time with no regard for current legislation and order within the State. Sadly we’ve got come to place an finish to this jungle justice and they’re going to not be allowed to function wherever within the State.”
One of many victims, Victor Aiyegbosi, a truck driver with one of many transport firms who was at their mercy lately described them as inhumane of their dealings. He disclosed that they injury their vehicles by ripping off cables and shattering the home windows and mirrors simply to have their method. “The Taskforce helping us right here is the very best factor that has occurred to us this yr to date” he acknowledged.
Jejeloye revealed that the 51 apprehended suspects have been charged to court docket the place 8 out of them pleaded responsible and had been sentenced to 7 months imprisonment with an possibility of 65,000 Naira fantastic. The remaining 43 pleaded not responsible and their listening to adjourned until the first of March 2024.CSP Jejeloye points a stern warning to others engaged in acts of impersonation and extortion, urging them to desist forthwith or danger being prosecuted. The Lagos State Authorities stays dedicated to making sure the protection and effectivity of transportation networks inside the State as enshrined within the THEMES PLUS agenda of the current administration.
