Mushin council disowns impostors harassing motorists, urges public to report offenders

The Mushin Local Council Area of Lagos has disowned a group of individuals reportedly arresting motorists, harassing them, and demanding money before releasing their vehicles.

The council issued a response following a report by The Guardian on how these men continue to operate despite widespread public outcry. In a statement through his Press Secretary, Eyitayo Ijaoribe, the Chairman of Mushin Local Council, Emmanuel Bamigboye, clarified: “The attention of the Executive Chairman of Mushin Local Council, Emmanuel Bamigboye, has been drawn to an online publication by The Guardian of November 7, 2024, detailing the encounters and ordeals of motorists with some unidentified individuals posing as traffic enforcement officials under the council’s authority.”

Bamigboye emphasised that the council has neither constituted nor authorised any team or group to engage in traffic enforcement. He noted: “The only committee previously constituted was the Abandoned Vehicle Committee, which has since been dissolved due to numerous complaints and petitions from the public.”

He urged motorists in the Mushin area to report anyone claiming to be council staff or agents who harass motorists while using branded uniforms or identity cards of Mushin Local Council to the nearest police station.

The chairman added: “The council has deployed security personnel at various locations and hotspots where these impostors usually operate to curb their unlawful activities against unsuspecting motorists.”

He continued: “We apologise for any inconvenience, harassment, or embarrassment these individuals may have caused to motorists or first-time visitors to the Mushin community. Mushin is a safe and peaceful area, and we remain committed to protecting our visitors and the interests of our citizens.”

For complaints or information on any suspicious or illegal activities by these impostors, the council advised the public to contact the following officials: Supervisor on Inter-Governmental Relations, Oladele Napoleon, on 09018283186; Senior Special Assistant to the Chairman on Security Matters, Babatunde Adeoye, on 08035611655; or the Senior Special Assistant to the Chairman on Community Affairs, Alhaji Aliu Sekoni, on 08023709689.