Okada Ban: Lagos To Prosecute Riders With Passengers

The Lagos State Government has issued a warning to passengers who patronize commercial motorcycle riders, popularly known as Okada riders, in restricted areas of the state, stating that they are as guilty as the riders themselves.

This warning was given by the Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, following the impoundment of 82 motorcycles by the agency.

The motorcycles were seized during an enforcement operation conducted by the task force in Berger, Mile 2 Oke, and the Orile areas of the state.

Akerele reiterated the agency’s firm stance on illegal operations, emphasizing that both riders and passengers found violating the ban will face prosecution.

“Passengers on okada are as guilty as the riders. If caught, they will face the full weight of the law alongside the riders,” according to a statement by Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, Lagos State Taskforce’s Director, Press & Public Affairs.

While urging residents to adhere to the regulations, the agency expressed its commitment to enforcing the law against Okada ban in the state.

“The Lagos State Taskforce remains committed to enforcing the law and ensuring that Lagos roads remain safe and motorable. Residents are encouraged to adhere to the regulations, as these efforts are in place to protect the lives and property of all Lagosians.

“All 82 impounded motorcycles will be forfeited to the State Government through the court,” the statement added.

In MAY (link 1) 2022, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, banned the operations of Okada in six Local Government Areas indefinitely.

The six local governments are: Ikeja, Surulere, Eti-Osa, Lagos Mainland, Lagos Island, and Apapa. This is in line with the State’s Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018.

The ban was extended in August of the same year to Kosofe, Oshodi-Isolo, Somolu and Mushin as well as in the six Local Council Development Areas under the four Local Government Areas.

However, despite the ban, Okada operators have continued to operate illegally in the 10 Local Government Areas, causing all manner of problems for road users.

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