News

Ban: Lagos Okada Riders Revolt, Kill Policeman, Injure DPO

Published

3 years ago

April 6, 2023

Eric

A yet-to-be-identified policeman was killed on Wednesday by rampaging motorcyclists protesting against the enforcement of the ban on commercial motorcycle operations in the Cele-Ijesha area of Lagos State.

During the clash, according to The Punch, the motorcyclists also injured a Divisional Police Officer who was said to be part of the team enforcing the ban in the community.

During the enforcement around 11am on Wednesday, it was learnt that the policemen accosted a motorcyclist plying the Mile 2-Cele axis

In an attempt to seize the motorcycle, the motorcyclist resisted and other motorcyclists who witnessed the incident intervened to support their colleague and which resulted in a clash with the policemen.

An eyewitness, who did not want his name in print for security reasons, told The Punch that during the clash, one of the policemen attempted to use his gun to scare the motorcyclist and his colleagues away, adding that the motorcyclists overpowered the policeman and allegedly killed him.

The eyewitness said, “The policemen were trying to arrest one of the motorcycle riders shuttling the Cele-Ijesha and Mile 2 areas. It was while the motorcyclist was resisting arrest that other motorcyclists intervened and demanded the release of their colleague’s motorcycle.

“When the policemen refused and tried to drive the motorcyclists away, they refused to back down and stopped the policemen from leaving the spot. Then, one of the policemen tried to scare them away with his gun but they overpowered him and killed him.”

Another eyewitness, who gave his name simply as Dehinde, said the policemen hurriedly left the scene after realising that their colleague had been killed.

He said, “Immediately the policeman was killed, his colleagues who ran away called for reinforcement and by the time they returned, the motorcyclists had fled. They were also seen brandishing different weapons while leaving the scene of the clash.”

The clash caused tension in the area as commuters and traders scampered to safety to avoid being hurt.

Before the clash that resulted in the death of the policeman, it was learnt that a joint team of police and military personnel had, during a raid, seized motorcycles from motorcyclists operating in the area despite the ban on their activities.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, while reacting to the development, said two suspects had been arrested, adding that 41 motorcycles were impounded.

He said, “While enforcing the existing ban on the use of motorcycles in parts of Lagos State, policemen attached to the Isolo Division came under attack from motorcycle riders at Cele Bus-Stop, resulting in the death of an Inspector and serious injury of the Divisional Police Officer.

“Two suspects have been arrested while 41 motorcycles were impounded. The Lagos State Police Command will not be deterred from carrying out its mandate of enforcing duly established laws.

“Also, people should stop peddling fake news as no gun was snatched during the attack.

“Citizens are urged to remain law-abiding, as riders and passengers alike arrested on prohibited routes will face the law.

“Above all, any form of attack on policemen will no longer be tolerated.”

News

Appeal Court Affirms Ruling Barring VIO from Impounding Vehicles, Fining Motorists

Published

4 days ago

December 4, 2025

Eric

The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Thursday upheld the judgment that stopped the Directorate of Road Traffic Services and Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) from seizing vehicles or imposing fines on motorists.

In a unanimous decision by a three-member panel, the appellate court found no basis to set aside the Federal High Court’s ruling of October 16, 2024, which restrained the VIO from harassing motorists.

The appeal filed by the VIO was dismissed for lacking merit. Justice Oyejoju Oyewumi delivered in the lead judgment.

The high court had earlier ruled, in a judgment by Justice Nkeonye Maha, that no law authorizes the VIO to stop motorists, impound vehicles, or impose penalties for alleged traffic offences.

The case arose from a fundamental rights suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023) filed by lawyer Abubakar Marshal.

Marshal informed the court that VIO officials stopped him at Jabi in Abuja on December 12, 2023, and seized his vehicle without lawful reason. He asked the court to determine whether their actions violated his rights.

Justice Maha agreed and ordered the VIO and its agents not to impound vehicles or impose fines on motorists, describing the actions as unlawful. She held that only a court can impose fines or sanctions.

She ruled that the VIO’s conduct breached the applicant’s constitutional right to property under Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution and Article 14 of the African Charter. She further held that the VIO has no legal authority to seize vehicles or penalize motorists, as doing so infringes on rights to fair hearing, movement and presumption of innocence.

Although Marshal, represented by Femi Falana, SAN, requested ₦500 million in damages and a public apology, the court awarded ₦2.5 million.

The Directorate of Road Traffic Services, its Director, its Abuja Area Commander at the time (identified as Mr. Leo), team leader Solomon Onoja, and the FCT Minister were listed as respondents.

They appealed the decision, but the Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal.

News

Tinubu Nominates Ibas, Dambazau, Enang, Ohakim As Ambassadors

Published

4 days ago

December 4, 2025

Eric

President Bola Tinubu has nominated Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, the immediate past sole administrator of Rivers State and a former Chief of Naval Staff, as a non-career ambassador.

Tinubu also nominated Ita Enang, a former senator; Chioma Ohakim, former First Lady of Imo State; and Abdulrahman Dambazau, former Minister of Interior and ex-Chief of Army Staff, as non-career ambassadors.

News

Senate Confirms Chris Musa As New Defence Minister

Published

5 days ago

December 3, 2025

Eric

The Nigerian Senate has confirmed General Christopher Musa, the former Chief of Defence Staff, as the country’s new Minister of Defence.

The announcement was contained in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu.

Musa, who retired from the military just 40 days ago, was nominated by President Tinubu on Tuesday to succeed former Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, who stepped down on health grounds.

According to Onanuga’s statement, the Senate approved Musa’s appointment on Wednesday through a voice vote, following a thorough screening session during which lawmakers posed numerous questions.

“Senate confirms Gen. Christopher Musa as Minister of Defence The Senate has confirmed the former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, as the Minister of Defence. The Senate confirmed Musa on Wednesday via a voice vote after a rigorous screening session in which lawmakers asked him many questions,” the statement read in part.