26th November, 2017
The operatives of the Lagos State Task Force at the weekend arraigned 19 arrested motorists for driving against traffic along Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway before Chief Magistrate Amos Olajuwon of the Lagos State Mobile Court at Oshodi.
Olayinka Egbeyemi, Chairman of the Lagos State Task Force who led the enforcement operations along Lagos-Abeokuta expressway disclosed that 19 motorists were apprehended for driving against up coming vehicles which is contrary to ‘Scheduled (1) item 27’ of the Lagos State Road Traffic Laws of 2012.
He disclosed further that he was surprised that motorists, including private car owners could be driving against traffic on a long expressway without fear of imminent collusion with up coming vehicles.
Egbeyemi confirmed that 12 private car owners and seven commercial bus drivers were apprehended during the enforcement operations.
He stated that the on-going construction of ‘BRT Corridor’ along Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway by the present government was meant to decongest traffic around that area.
The Chairman urged motorists, particularly commercial bus drivers to desists from driving against traffic and obey different traffic signs conspicuously displayed by traffic officers along that axis.
Egbeyemi warned that any motorists arrested for driving against traffic in any parts of the State would be charge to court.
He, however confirmed that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police Acting Edgal Imohimi directed that all 19 arrested motorists be charge to court for prosecutions.
Chief Magistrate Amos Olajuwon of the Lagos State Mobile Court who presided over the case forfieted to the government one of the impounded 19 vehicles, an Honda Car belonging to Mr. Felix John with registration No (BDG 465 XL) after he pleaded ‘guilty’ to have driven against up-coming vehicle (one-way) contrary to Schedule (1) item 27 of the Lagos State Road Traffic Laws of 2012 levied against him.
Olajuwon, however, adjourned till 7th of December, 2017 for commencement of ‘trial’ on other arrested 18 motorists after they all pleaded ‘Not Guilty’ before the court.
Prosecutor Counsel, Olumide Ajibola said the arraignment of 19 arrested motorists driving against up coming vehicles would serve as deterrent to other road users across the State.