The Human Side of Lagos State Task Force Team- Lessons From a Journalist’s Ordeal

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Publisher, Hotline Media Publications, and Editor-in-Chief, Media Hotline Platform, MHP, Elder Theophilus Oyekanmi narrated his recent ordeal with Lagos State Task Force Team, which calls for Orientation and Sensitisation of both motorists and law enforcement Officials.

Elder Oyekanmi, a seasoned journalists of thirty years experience recounted how he was fined by this enforcement team for plying a one- way route in Lekki despite explaining he was unfamiliar with the road.

According to him, he encountered two incidents same day, Wednesday, 17 September 2025, on his way for Customs event.

He said, “In the first encounter, I was in the vehicle with another journalist before being intercepted by the Lagos State Task Force Team, for plying One Way route at Sandfil area of Lekki. We explained to them that we are not familiar with the road, but they impounded the vehicle disregarding our genuine plea.

“The Policemen, LASTMA and KAI officials with civilian support staffers that Customs Officers normally tagged ‘kelebe’ or canboys did not listen to explanations of ‘we are not familiar’ with the route and that ‘we are only trying to get our way out’ having gone to refuel at MRS, Bar Beach and following Eko Hotel road before missing the road.

“They demanded a fine of N250,000, which was later reduced after the Lagos State Task Force Team Chairman/Commander intervention”.

Elder Oyekanmi, though appreciated the prompt intervention of the Commander, expressed disappointment with the Task Force Officials for their unprofessional approach.

He said, “My observations remained that those enforcement team at the Sandfil area of Lekki do not bring in noble acts into their task force job; as ‘task force’ included in their nomenclature; Alausa was their main focus”.

In his second ordeal, the Hotline Media Publications Publisher explained how he was intercepted by another task force team officials along Agege Motor road, who this time, showed empathy by giving stern warning, rather than impounding his vehicle.

“After leaving FOU ‘A’ of the Customs; while about exiting the new bridge opposite Ikeja Local Government leading to Agege Motor Road – A red colour Toyota Camry came from behind, dragging the lane with me.

“As of when I am almost at the edge to turn right into Agege Motor Road, I swerve to left to avoid him.

“Another team of the Lagos Task Force intercepted me; the Officer -in-Charge, OC or the Team Leader (Commander) however confirmed seeing the red Toyota dragging the road with me.

“He was however of noble acts educated that I should have paused by allowing the driver overtake me rather than swerving as the other place I swerved into is already another lane for those going inward Ikeja.“Compared to those at Sandfill, Lekki and those at Oshodi offices; I am so glad that this officer only educate, warn and show empathy rather than impounding my vehicle again,” he stated.

Elder Oyekanmi’s encounter depicted that some task force team are more concerned about revenue generation than enforcing traffic laws fairly. It show the complexities of traffic enforcement in Lagos State and the need for more professional and empathy approach.

His ordeal also underscored the need for continuous orientation and Sensitisation for both motorists and law enforcement officials to ensure fair and courteous treatment of motorists.