A confrontation between police officers and motorcycle riders in the Isheri area of Lagos State on Tuesday evening caused tension among residents. The incident reportedly occurred around 8: 30 pm when officers from the Idimu Police Station attempted to seize motorcycles from riders operating in the area.....Read Full Article>>
According to eyewitness accounts, the motorcycle operators were at their park waiting for passengers when the officers arrived in a minibus, locally referred to as ‘ Korope.
‘ The police allegedly targeted the riders in a sudden raid. However, the riders resisted, leading to a physical altercation between the two groups. One witness, Olusoji Aina, described the scene, stating that some motorcycle riders managed to escape while others stood their ground. ” The unlucky ones were caught and refused to give up their motorcycles.
This led to a confrontation. Some bystanders supported the riders and damaged the windshield of the police vehicle during the clash, ” he recounted. Pieces of the shattered windshield were still visible at the scene the following morning.
A motorcycle rider who requested anonymity claimed that such raids by the police were a frequent occurrence. ” This has been happening for a long time. The police come, seize our motorcycles, and then demand money at the station before returning them. I was lucky to escape during this raid, ” he said.
Another rider, Wasiu, noted that the park where the incident took place operates on a designated route and within permitted hours. ” We shuttle between Council and Powerline, which is an approved route. We don’ t understand why they raid us without cause, ” he stated.
When contacted for comments, the Divisional Police Officer of the Idimu Police Station, Gladys Faniyi, denied any knowledge of the incident. She remarked, ” I am not aware of this. I will investigate. However, it is common for motorcycle operators to use non- designated routes, which is why we arrest them. ”
Reports from residents indicate that this is not an isolated incident. Landlords and community members have previously accused the Idimu Police Division of arbitrary arrests and extortion. Many allege that the police demand bribes from motorcycle riders, especially if their union leaders fail to remit certain fees.
In a related incident on December 2, 2022, police officers reportedly stormed the Powerline unit of the motorcycle operators at 8: 25 pm. Witnesses observed as around 15 officers, arriving in two commercial buses, assaulted several riders and confiscated six motorcycles. Traders and passengers who attempted to intervene were also allegedly assaulted by the officers.
The recurring clashes have fueled complaints from residents, who accuse the police of using excessive force and harassing law- abiding citizens. Many are calling for a review of police operations in the area to address these allegations and restore peace between law enforcement and the community.
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