Crime

See How Lagos Roads Turned Into Extortion Zones by Police and Officials

Published by Tope Fakinlede on February 2nd, 2025.

See How Lagos Roads Turned Into Extortion Zones by Police and Officials

A recent viral video on Instagram showcased a motorist in distress as police officers seized her car in the Ikorodu area of Lagos for allegedly driving on the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lane. In Lagos, driving on the BRT corridor is considered a serious traffic violation, with a fine of N70,000 attached.

In the video, the officers hooked the woman’s car to a van, preparing to tow it, as the visibly upset motorist pleaded for intervention. “I was not on the BRT lane! I beg you, please! Don’t tow my car!” she cried. Despite her desperate appeals, one officer continued with the towing process, dismissing her concerns. “This motor cannot tow my vehicle! My daughter is graduating today! Officers, you are wicked!” she screamed in frustration.

Many social media users who responded to the video argued that there were no clear signs indicating the road was designated for BRT buses. One netizen, @dbdelight_snacks, shared a personal experience, recounting how she was similarly extorted at the same location, despite having a baby in tow. “There were no signs, and we had to borrow money to pay the N70,000 fine. It was a painful experience,” she wrote.

This incident highlights a broader issue in Lagos, where officers from the police, the Lagos State Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), and other individuals take advantage of poorly marked roads to exploit motorists. Investigations by First Class Gists revealed that areas such as Ikorodu, Oshodi, Obalende, Yaba, Mile 2, and parts of the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway are hotspots for such extortion practices.

A source in Ikorodu noted that officers, some in uniform and others in plain clothes, often target any vehicle that crosses a diversion, even if it isn’t violating traffic rules. “They don’t even bother with cars on the BRT lane, just anyone they can stop,” said Aremu, a local witness.

A tricycle driver, speaking anonymously for fear of retaliation, confirmed that extortion is rampant in the 7&8 Bus Stop area. “It’s a daily occurrence. Sometimes, they claim you’re driving against traffic or just stop you to demand money. Everyone knows you have to ‘drop something’ for the police here,” he explained.

Prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana stated that many of those involved in these extortion schemes aren’t just public officers but also political thugs working with the government. He criticized the local authorities for being unable to stop these practices, despite the significant revenue they generate. “About N100 billion is collected annually through this scheme in Lagos, especially in places like Oshodi, where officers arrest people indiscriminately,” Falana added.

Falana also pointed out that the money extorted could be used to improve road infrastructure, questioning why there are no clear road signs and how the local government has failed to address the issue.

The ongoing extortion problem in Lagos reflects a serious breakdown in both law enforcement and urban planning, leaving ordinary motorists at the mercy of corrupt practices.