Lagos CP Exempts Courier Motorcycles from Ban ...Arrests 24 protesters …Denies shooting at protesters

Following the arrest of some couriers who do deliveries, the Lagos State Police Commissioner on Monday reiterated that such motorcycles are not included in the restrictions.

He said: “Operators of courier services must strictly obey traffic laws and ensure that they do not drive against traffic (one way).

“Dispatch riders must put on their crash helmets and should have the dispatch box fixed at the back of the motorcycle. The bike must strictly be used for courier purposes, no carrying of passengers. Power bikes are also not affected by the restrictions.”

Meanwhile, the police have arrested 24 suspects for blocking major roads in Ijora, causing obstructions.

The state Police Spokesman, DSP Bala Elkana, said: “Police received a distress call that some hoodlums in large number armed with cutlasses, suspected to be okada riders and thugs blocked some major roads around Ijora Oloye, Amusu, Ijora 7up, Ijora under bridge, Sifa junction and Gaskiya gangare area all within Ijora Badia Division.

“The hoodlums caused major obstructions on the roads, burning tyres, looting and stealing from unsuspecting road users. Police officers from Ijora Badia, Area B Command and Special Strike Force on Social Miscreants were promptly deployed to the scenes.

“The situation was brought under control. The obstructions were cleared for free flow of traffic. No life was lost. Twenty four suspects were arrested. Investigation is ongoing and the suspects will be charged to court.”

Meanwhile, despite a viral video where gunshots were heard during the clash, Elkana denied the shooting, stressing that no casually was recorded.

Although he admitted that policemen actually dispersed the protesters, he said it was because they set bonfires and attacked innocent citizens.

But eyewitness account said the victims were hit by bullets as policemen attached to Badia Division shot sporadically to scare the protesters, who had destroyed vehicles and property.

Having been dispersed from the earlier spot, it was learnt that the protesters regrouped at the front of the secretariat of Apapa Iganmu LCDA along Gaskiya road, where they were also chased away by the police.

Bala said: “It was a violent protest because they attack innocent citizens and we cannot fold our arms to watch them perpetrate evil attack .

“I am not aware of any casualty. From the brief I have gotten so far, nobody was killed or injured by the police.”