Tricycle operators decry unjust arrest by Taskforce

By Edith Igbokwe

The Tricycle Owners and Operators Association of Nigeria (TOOAN),  Oshodi Branch B has decried what it termed unjust arrest and illegal impounding of tricycles in Oshodi environs by the Taskforce.

Speaking to ECHONEWS on the issue, the association Chairman, Mr. Kazeem Ajadi complained that Taskforce disturb their operation within the environment not listed among the restricted area.

“We have gone to meet the Taskforce officials and they said that they are not against us yet, they arrest keke operators on the streets in Mafoluku and Oshodi.

“Maruwa drivers in the streets should be left alone since they are not on the high ways,” he stated.

Some of tricycle drivers who spoke to ECHONEWS said despite complying with the law which restricted them from operating on highways and plying some bridges, the police still enter the community to impound their tricycles and demand about N30,000 from them for their tricycles to be released.

The law restricts tricycles from plying Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, Agege Motor Road, Airport Road, all bridges within Lagos State but they are allowed to operate within the streets in Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Area.

One of the tricycle operators, Kabiru Muritala lamented that despite the fact that they have adjusted to the terms of the government concerning the restricted areas, the Taskforce still picks them up on the streets within the council area.

He said: “They picked three keke along Post Office road in Oshodi and demanded N 30,000 each for the release of the seized keke.

“This is unfair, we are afraid to do our daily business because of the fear of being caught with the demands of huge ransom. The government needs to intervene.”