As part of plans to commence the enforcement of the ban on the operation of okada riders in Lagos State, the state Police Command, on Wednesday, seized 140 motorcycles and arrested 16 passengers and riders.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, said 94 of the motorcycles were impounded by the police, while others were seized by men of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Enforcement Agency.

“There was over 90 per cent compliance, but some motorcyclists still came out and we arrested and charged them to a mobile court.

“Sixteen passengers and motorcyclists were arrested; the majority of the motorcyclists did not carry passengers and some of the motorcyclists abandoned their motorcycles after sighting policemen,” he added.

Thelagostimes had earlier reported that the state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on May 18, 2022, announced the ban on okada riders at a meeting with the state Commissioner of Police, Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers at the State House in Alausa.

The governor banned the riders in Eti-Osa, Ikeja, Surulere, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, and Apapa areas of the state.

The ban, which took effect from Wednesday, June 1, followed the killing of a sound engineer, David Imoh, in the Lekki area of the state.