The Lagos State Government has taken swift action by apprehending two suspects accused of extorting traders and residents for using a pedestrian bridge in the Yaba area of the state. The state Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced the arrests via his official handle on Thursday, following the circulation of a viral video depicting the suspects in the act.
According to Wahab, the suspects, whose identities were not disclosed, were seen imposing a N100 levy on each pedestrian with luggage. In response to the disturbing footage, Wahab promptly ordered their immediate arrest, emphasizing that they would face legal consequences for their actions.
“In response to the viral video of some miscreants extorting traders and other Lagosians on a pedestrian bridge in Yaba, I instructed the Corps Marshal of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) to immediately arrest the persons and the officer involved,” Wahab stated on social media.
He further assured the public that those apprehended would be swiftly arraigned in court, while efforts to track down others involved in the extortion scheme would continue.
Additionally, the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps recently conducted a crackdown on illegal street trading and highway crossing, resulting in the arrest of 63 individuals. This enforcement action aligns with the government’s prior warning in February to arrest and prosecute individuals who choose to cross major highways instead of utilizing designated pedestrian bridges.