Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Wednesday arrested some motorists, tricyclists and motorcyclists driving against traffic in the Ijora Olopa area of the state.

Ambode’s convoy was driving from the Lagos Island en-route Carter Bridge to Ikeja when the offenders were nabbed.

The governor, who had earlier accosted some other motorists while committing traffic offences on the Apogbon Bridge, said, “The actions of those apprehended are in breach of the Lagos State Road Traffic Law.”

Among vehicles arrested were a Toyota Camry with number plate, KRD 666 DK; a Lexus SUV marked, LSR 995 BT; a Toyota Corolla with number plate, AKD 911 DC; and a Mitsubishi taxi marked, YE 819 KJA.

Other vehicles arrested are commercial buses with number plates, BDG 242 XQ, JJJ 126 SC, LSD 824 XC, and a truck (BDG 708 XJ) belonging to a private PSP operator with the Lagos State Waste Management Agency, Gafista Concepts Limited.

A Toyota Hilux belonging to the Lagos State Water Corporation was also apprehended.

The alleged offenders told journalists in Ikeja that they were forced to drive against traffic due to gridlock.

One of them, Sunday Izebor, said, “It is not in my character, but I was forced to commit the traffic offence due to heavy traffic.”

The driver of the PSP truck, Ogunwale Segun, said, “I wanted to pack refuse in Ijora and the road was blocked. So, I drove against the traffic, otherwise I would not have been arrested.”

Also, an interstate commercial bus driver, Ganiru Ayakunle, said he drove against traffic because his passengers were rushing to catch up with urgent appointments.

The governor said the offenders would be handed over to the Lagos State Task Force on Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit for prosecution.