Oshodi residents lament alleged police extortion, harrassment

Residents of Oluwani Street, Oshodi, have lamented alleged police harassment and extortion of commercial motorcycle riders at Ladipo junction.

One of the residents, Folasade Awe, who lives at Oluwani Street, told The Guardian that police officers often harass innocent commercial motorcyclists, also known as Okada riders.

According to her, residents experience great trauma boarding motorcycles from the junction as a result of extortion from the bike operators.

“I stay at No 1, Oluwani Street. These policemen stay at our junction to harass innocent people. They even ask for tips from us, which is not supposed to be so. If you don’t give them, they will threaten to lock you up.”

“Our government should please do something about it because it’s getting out of hand. We really need help,” she added.

A trader, who sells food items at the junction, Falima Azeez, said activities of the policemen also scare customers away, affecting their daily businesses as a result of how they brandish their guns.

“There was a day some ladies were going out of the street. These policemen harassed them, asking for money. But they are supposed to protect us, not to scare us. The way they handle their guns is frightening and at the slightest issue, they will cock the guns,” she said.

Nurudeen Alao, a bike rider, told The Guardian how the extortion from policemen affects his business.

“I have stopped going through that route because of those policemen; they don’t even collect a small amount. Instead of allowing them to take your bike, you give them what they ask for,” he said.

Another resident, who spoke in confidence, said: “Okada riders don’t like coming to that junction. We find it hard to get bike whenever we are going out or coming back home just because they know they will be harassed and extorted.

“There was a day some young guys came to this area to greet their friends. One of the policemen had called one of them and told him that he could recollect his face during the #EndSARS protest, saying: “Now I have caught you, I will ensure I lock you up.”

The guy had to shout for help. She further stated: “Policemen who are supposed to secure and protect our lives are the ones threatening our lives. I beg the government to help us out on this issue.”