Group protests alleged extortion by Lagos traffic enforcers

A civil society group, Citizens Intervention for Collective Humanity and Care Initiative, has protested against what it described as extortion and unfair treatment of motorists by traffic enforcement officers in Lagos State. The group, led by its convener, Segun Olawoye, marched to the Lagos State House of Assembly on Tuesday, where it submitted a letter demanding a review of some traffic laws and the exemption of bridges from Bus Rapid Transit lanes. The protesters, carrying placards and a banner calling for the removal of BRT lanes from bridges, marched to the Lagos State House of Assembly to present their demands. In its letter dated August 11, 2026, the group alleged that inadequate road markings and signages across the state had created opportunities for some enforcement officers to harass and extort motorists. “Our demand for this important review is premised on the obvious reasons that road markings and signages in Lagos State are not sufficient. Most places have no signages, and those with signages are either worn out or removed,” the group stated. It argued that the situation had resulted in motorists being penalised for traffic violations despite unclear or missing road signs, with some allegedly losing their vehicles as a result of enforcement. The group particularly called for a review of Item 27 of the Lagos State Traffic Offences and Penalties, which prescribes vehicle forfeiture and imprisonment for motorists who drive in a prohibited direction or neglect traffic directions. It described vehicle forfeiture for first-time offenders, particularly where road markings or signs were inadequate, as harsh and capable of being exploited by enforcement officers. The group also linked the alleged extortion to BRT lane enforcement on bridges across Lagos, arguing that the restriction of already narrow bridges worsened traffic congestion and created further opportunities for motorists to be apprehended. According to the letter, “Bridges only need officers that help traffic flow on, not enforcers who cause and keep heavy traffic on them.” The group cited the Odoyalaro Bridge, which connects Ojota and Maryland, alleging that BRT enforcement activities on the bridge contributed to congestion and the apprehension of motorists whose tyres allegedly touched the BRT lane during traffic build-up. It proposed that BRT enforcement officers on bridges be replaced with Lagos State Traffic Management Authority officials whose primary responsibility would be to keep traffic moving. The group said this would reduce congestion, improve access for emergencies and curb what it described as unnecessary enforcement against motorists. Olawoye said the group’s concerns were based on what it described as repeated cases of extortion and unfair treatment of commuters. “Many things have happened, from extortion to needless traffic situations, accidents and other unfair treatment of commuters on the Odoyalaro Bridge as well as other bridges in Lagos, under the guise of BRT lane enforcement,” he said. Olawoye said the group’s immediate demand was for all bridges in the state to be exempted from BRT lanes. “We are simply asking the government to exempt all bridges from BRT lanes. Bridges in Lagos are usually very narrow, just to fly over or connect one flowing traffic corridor to another. “To now restrict a lane on such bridges again for BRT, with numerous enforcement officers who act as though they have daily targets of ticketing and apprehending commuters, is increasingly unacceptable,” he said. He said the group was informed that lawmakers were on recess but noted that its letter had been received and stamped by the Office of the Speaker. “We submitted our protest letter containing the demands. It was received and stamped by the Office of the Speaker, and they promised that as soon as they reconvene from recess, they would promptly act on it,” he said. Olawoye warned that the group could return to the Assembly with a larger mobilisation if its demands were not addressed. “I don’t think they want us to return with another protest, because by then we will mobilise massively and target the day they would have important business on the floor of the House,” he said. The protest highlights growing concerns raised by the group over traffic enforcement practices, alleged extortion and the effect of BRT lane restrictions on movement across Lagos.