Drivers operating in the Iyana-Ipaja, Ikotun, and Berger areas of Lagos State have raised alarm over a new method of extortion allegedly being employed by police officers.
Drivers, and police personnel are now utilizing louts, locally known as “agberos,” to collect illegal payments from them at major bus stops.
According to The PUNCH, they approached bus conductors demanding payments referred to as “owo olopa” or “owo security” on behalf of the police. Drivers claim this arrangement has been driving up transportation costs in the state.
One driver, Yemi Tajudeen, expressed frustration over the situation, stating that they had no choice but to comply with the demands or face the risk of their vehicles being impounded.
“The level of extortion we face as drivers in Lagos is overwhelming. The police now use agberos to collect money from us. If you refuse, they can impound your vehicle,” Tajudeen said. “We pay between N200 and N500 as ‘owo olopa’ at most major bus stops, and we are forced to factor this into the fares we charge.”
Another driver, Kunle, highlighted how this extortion has exacerbated the already high cost of transportation in Lagos, with passengers ultimately bearing the financial burden.
“As long as the police continue to extort us, passengers will be affected because we include the money we pay to them in the fares,” he said.
In the Berger area, a driver named Wale criticized the police, describing the extortion as a serious issue that erodes public trust in law enforcement. “The money I pay to the police isn’t voluntary. After facing the dangers of the road, someone with a gun and uniform demands money for no reason,” Wale explained. “The police authority needs to address this extortion problem to restore public confidence.”
Attempts to reach the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, for a response were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
In a related development, the Lagos State Taskforce has intensified efforts to enforce traffic laws by dislodging drivers using the Iyana-Oworo lay-by as an unofficial park. Raheem Gbadeyanka, the spokesperson for the task force, emphasized that this practice contributes to traffic congestion.
“It is against Lagos traffic laws to convert a bus stop into a park. Drivers are only allowed to drop passengers and move on. We will continue to enforce these regulations to restore order on the highways,” Gbadeyanka warned.
