The Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), popularly known as KAI, has apprehended a gang of five area boys extorting pedestrians navigating the flooded section of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.
The gang members were arrested on Wednesday at the International Trade Fair Bus Stop on the expressway.
The gang’s possible journey to jail began after a member of the public recorded them extorting hapless pedestrians trying to use a makeshift bridge of stones to cross a flooded section of the expressway.
In the video posted on social media, the gang members were seen demanding crossers pay N100 per crossing.
The complainant, Evangelist Emmanuel@Arise0214, had posted a short complaint on X.com, saying, “This is what the construction company has caused along Lagos Badagry expressway.
“While the construction is going on, they should provide temporary access routes for the citizens where there are no pedestrian bridges to avoid all this.”
The video complaint caught the attention of the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment, Tokunbo Wahab, who ordered the leader of LAGESC to remedy the situation.
The Corps Marshal of LAGESC, Major Olaniyi Olatunbosun Cole (retd), later announced the arrests on social media through a statement issued on X.com by the Head, Public Affairs and Advocacy Unit, LAGESC, Ajayi Lukman.
He confirmed that the arrest came on the heels of the viral social media video showing the syndicate obstructing pedestrian activity.
He said, “We caught wind of the negative acts of these criminals hindering pedestrian activity at the popular Trade Fair bus stop via a viral video circulating on social media and we swung into action to arrest the five suspects involved, to serve them justice through the courts for the pain caused to Lagosians in this rainy season.”
He identified the suspects identified as Elisha Odunsi (19), Muhammed Saidu (20), Tunde Kazeem (20), Musbau Habeeb (26), and Muftau Ottun (36) and promised that they would face prosecution.
The commissioner also confirmed that the law would take its due course, “Following a complaint made by @ARISE0214, miscreants charging people for using the makeshift crossover bridge at Trade Fair this morning have been arrested by the operatives of Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps @LAGESCOfficial.
“They will be prosecuted according to the law.
“Additionally, three individuals were arrested at Queens Street, Alagomeji, Yaba, for unlawfully accessing a government-sealed building for criminal purposes. They too will be prosecuted accordingly.”
Cole emphasised the importance of proper waste disposal to prevent flooding during the rainy season, urging residents to use approved PSP operators and avoid dumping refuse in drains and gutters.
For pedestrian safety, Cole encouraged the use of designated bridges across highways in Lagos and assured continuous monitoring by KAI operatives to enforce compliance.
Public reaction
Michael Tommy K@Tommyk212: This Is why we love Lagos. A proactive government that listens to the people even on Twitter. Unlike Ogun state where Dr Dapo Abiodun and his commissioners have failed to respond to the people’s cries due to the terrible roads in the state.
@DapoAbiodunCON#Dapofixogunroads.
Adebanjo oluwapelumi @AdebanjoPhelumy · 13h Many of these people don’t know the power of social media Especially X 😩You Go Trend Sha ni.
Hypolux Limited@HypoluxLimited: You are doing well sir. I love your swift response to all complaints today. Keep it up, sir.
Elda Creations@Adedeji: This same thing has returned to Yaba. I was harassed with my luggage this afternoon while trying to use the pedestrian bridge. I guess those arrested before were not prosecuted; otherwise, why has the menace returned?
CLASSY BOSS@Myrah_Class: Thank you, Mr. Wahab. This is commendable. Meanwhile, I also feel the main culprits have not been arrested. The ones apprehended now are not the same as those in native attire. That said, this sends a strong warning to everyone in that area.
ℙ𝔼𝔸ℂ𝔼4𝔸𝕃𝕃™ M.Sc 𝔼𝕟𝕘𝕣®@Amunikoro2012: Good work for acting promptly, sir. But I have reservations about the action of whoever posted the video. Those sandbags were arranged by those guys when they noticed people refused to use the pedestrian bridge made by the government. They were not forced to use the makeshift.
Phil@ibe_mercy43727: You might not have everything right, but I applaud your effectiveness in righting any wrong brought to your attention within your jurisdiction. Well done sir, the ability to correct a wrong is also part of good leadership.
Eniola Eniola@Eniola19Eniola: Mr. Wahab, your diversity and swift response to public reactions should be emulated by other public officers. More wins, but don’t let saboteurs undermine your efforts. Eko leads, others follow; Lagosians are watching. @DeeOneAyekooto @JamiluSufi.
MisterTee@MustaphaTaio: If only we had seven @tokunbo_wahab in Lagos right now, Lagos would be a safer and better-organised state. Thank you for your steadfastness in defending the masses.
