News

Lagos CP Slams Viral Video, Clears Task Force of Extortion Allegations

Published by Samuel Ayomide on March 17th, 2026.

The Lagos State Police Command has refuted allegations that operatives of the Lagos State Task Force on Environmental and Special Offences were involved in extortion, describing a widely circulated video as misleading and malicious.

Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh clarified the matter during a press briefing at the command headquarters in Ikeja on Monday. He stressed that the task force continues to enforce traffic regulations and environmental laws across the state, contributing to public order and safety.

The video, shared by ObjectvMedia, suggested that a driver was unlawfully arrested and forced to pay money after his vehicle was allegedly repositioned by a task force officer to fabricate a traffic violation. The driver in the video also denied ever taking his vehicle to the location shown.

Jimoh, however, said a preliminary investigation showed the footage was taken out of context. “The Lagos State Task Force on Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Enforcement has been performing well to ensure order on our roads and in our environment,” he stated. “I have directed a full-scale investigation into the allegation of money collection, and it was found to be false. The claim is far from the truth and malicious in all ramifications” (according to The PUNCH).

The CP explained that the incident occurred on March 13, 2026, at around 6:30 a.m. in the Ikorodu area during a routine operation targeting motorists driving against traffic. Officers intercepted the driver, Lateef Adeyemo, who allegedly reversed his vehicle in an attempt to evade arrest, colliding with a commercial minibus and endangering both passengers and officers.

Jimoh said the driver resisted arrest and reportedly encouraged bystanders to attack the task force personnel. “The viral video was recorded by the suspect himself while being taken away and does not capture the full circumstances of the offence,” the commissioner noted.

The suspect has since been arraigned before a mobile court in Oshodi on four counts, including conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, driving against traffic, obstruction of public officers, and malicious damage to property. He was initially granted bail but was later remanded after failing to meet bail conditions.

The CP emphasized that the role of law enforcement is to charge suspects and present them to the court, which then decides on bail or remand. He further urged residents and motorists to comply with traffic regulations and cooperate with law enforcement officers.

“Our advice to road users remains: obey traffic rules and cooperate with officers in the discharge of their duties,” Jimoh concluded.

This clarification comes amid growing concerns over the portrayal of law enforcement on social media and the need to verify facts before public circulation, as highlighted in recent reports by The Guardian and The Nation newspapers.