The incessant activities of the men of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) in extorting commercial vehicle operators as well as motorcyclists popularly called okada in various areas of the metropolis has come under the spotlight again.
According to reports from PUNCH, an okada driver Ibrahim Idris became unconscious instantly after he was struck by the butt of a gun belonging to an unidentified police officer who was part of a squad from Sagamu Road Police Station patrolling the area.
After the attack, colleagues of the Okada driver gathered outside the police station with intent to wreak havoc, however they were quelled by the Chairman of their Rider’s association.
A frustrated and angry rider told PUNCH, “The Police have turned us to their Automated Teller Machine. They come here to collect money from us. But today, one of them stopped Idris on the account of plying an expressway. He refused to stop then the policeman pursued him. On catching up with him, the policeman hit Idris with the butt of his gun. He slumped immediately.”
Chairman of the Riders association, Akeem Olowu said, “This is how they have been harassing us. They arrest my members and whenever they seize our motorcycles, especially new ones, we pay not less than N10,000 to retrieve them. They really need to change the way they treat us and people in general.”
A staff of the Lagos State Police Command PR office said, “In respect of the Lagos State Road Traffic Law which restricts okada riders from plying expressways, the police tried to stop the victim for violating the rule, but he did not stop.
“When he was eventually held, he tried to evade arrest. He fell from the bike in the process and he was rushed to a hospital.
“He has been discharged since yesterday (Tuesday) and he has reported at the station. Meanwhile, the DPO has pleaded with the okada riders in the area. He has also detained the policeman that engaged the rider.”