Task force proposes psychiatric test for ‘one-way’ riders

The Chairman of Lagos State Task Force, CSP Shola Jejeloye, has proposed that any motorist caught driving against traffic, or one-way, should be subjected to a psychiatric test.

This was as the agency, on Monday, said it seized 497 motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, during a recent operation along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.

The spokesperson for the task force, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, disclosed in a Monday statement that the operation was led by the Chairman of the agency, Jejeloye.

He said the operation also covered areas such as Doyin Bus Stop, Alakija, Iyana Iba, Igbo-Elerin, Festac Link Bridge and Igando.

The statement quoted Jejeloye as saying: “Okada operators here are the cause of major accidents and a big threat to the security architecture of the state along this route, especially the ones you see facing oncoming vehicles directly on one-way.

“It is complete madness and I recommend anyone caught in the act be subjected to psychiatric evaluation.”

He also warned residents that “both the rider and passenger are culpable in the event of an arrest while plying on restricted routes.”

In January, the Lagos government launched a campaign targeting okada operating on restricted routes within the state.

The initiative, according to the government, was part of the ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and mitigate traffic congestion.

Speaking from his Alausa office, the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said, “The campaign aims to unequivocally halt motorcycle operations in specified restricted zones, ensuring public safety and optimising the city’s transportation network.”