Lagos arrest hoodlums collecting bridge passage levy from pedestrians

The Lagos State Government said hoodlums arrested while collecting levies from people walking on pedestrian bridges will be charged in court.

The state Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said this on Thursday following the arrest of two suspects for allegedly extorting traders and residents who use the pedestrian bridge.

“In response to the viral video of some miscreants extorting traders and other Lagosians on a pedestrian bridge in Yaba, I instructed the Corps Marshal of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) to immediately arrest the persons and the officer involved,” said Wahab on his X handle.

“They will be arraigned immediately in court while the clampdown on those on the run would continue.”

The Commissioner also announced on Thursday afternoon that an additional four persons were arrested for extorting traders and Lagosians using the pedestrian bridges across the State.

Wahab had disclosed on his X handle on Wednesday that some thugs were imposing a N100 levy on pedestrians using bridges in Lagos.

A video had gone viral on social media showing an unidentified thug on different occasions collecting N100 before permitting women with luggage to make use of a bridge in Yaba.

“I have been inundated with calls from concerned Lagosians about a viral video of some miscreants collecting money from people using a pedestrian bridge in Yaba, Lagos State. This is quite unfortunate and condemnable,” said Wahab.

“Pedestrian bridges are meant for Lagosians to use freely without any hindrance, neither does it require payment to anyone. Environmental nuisance and lawlessness of any kind will not be allowed in Lagos State.

“I appeal to the general public to be calm as the government is already taking action on the unfortunate incident. We remain committed to a safer, healthier and cleaner Lagos State.”