The Lagos State Police Commissioner, Marvel Akpoyibo on Tuesday ordered all area commanders, divisional police officers, and area traffic officers to arrest commercial motorcyclists that contravened traffic regulations.
Police spokesman, Frank Mba, stated that the order to arrest such motorcyclists was aimed at improving the traffic situation in the state. Mr. Mba said the manner in which commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as okada riders, disobeyed traffic rules was becoming worrisome to the police commissioner.
“Commercial motorcyclists do not obey traffic officers and traffic lights,” he said. “They do not respect the rights of other road users. When a traffic light or officer says stop, both vehicles and motorcycles must stop without exception”.
Mr Mba said that the commissioner’s order must be strictly carried out, stressing that any arrested motorcyclist would be prosecuted according to the law. According to him, if motorists and motorcyclists obey traffic rules, there will be less traffic jams in Lagos state. He advised motorists to ensure that they put in place all needed facilities during this rainy season, to help reduce traffic jams resulting from broken down vehicles.
