The Lagos State Police Command has said passengers and okada riders arrested following the ban on motorcycles will be tried and prosecuted in court.
Last Wednesday, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu imposed a ban on okadas, in six local government areas, including, Ikeja, Apapa, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, citing security concerns.
Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alabi said the move is necessary to decongest cases associated with the arrest of riders and passengers flouting the government’s directives.
According to him, there is a plan towards the establishment of mobile courts that will actually try them on time so that they don’t keep on congesting cells with all these people who are flouting the laws.
In his words, whenever you are arrested, whether the passenger or the rider, they will be tried instantly without necessarily bringing them to any cell.
The latest ban on okadas in the state comes after a sound engineer, David Umoh, was allegedly lynched to death by okada riders in the Lekki area of the state over a fare dispute.
This is not the first time the activities of okada riders have been restricted in Lagos.
Police Commissioner Alabi however said enforcement of the ban this time will be more thorough.
He said most okada riders are criminals and must be taken off the road.
However, the police boss acknowledged that banning okadas may have its side effects.