Okada Riders Sue Lagos State Govt For N1bn

The commercial motorcycle riders (Okada riders) are accusing Lagos state and its agents of illegal arrest, detention, torture and seizure of their motorcycles within the state.

A Lagos Federal High Court yesterday adjourned further hearing in a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by some commercial motorcycle riders against the Lagos State Government till June 22.

One hundred and twenty plaintiffs alleged that they were arrested by agents of the state on various routes within the state from which the Schedule II of the Lagos State Road Traffic Law, 2012 did not prohibit them from operating on.

The riders added that their arrest and the impounding of their motorcycles without being given an opportunity to defend themselves before a competent court of law amounted to a breach of sections 34 and 35 of the constitution.

They are seeking an injunction restraining the state from further arrests and are demanding the sum of N1billion as compensation for the alleged violation of their rights.

The plaintiffs also want the respondents to tender published apology to them in two national dailies.

The plaintiffs, who filed the suit marked on behalf of themselves and others, are Yusuf Oladimeji, Aliyu Wamba, Adeniji Musliudeen and Akinkuotu Omoniyi.

Others are Obri Boniface, Tobena Ezeaka, Lateef Ayokunnu and Lembe Lukman.

The attorney general of Lagos State, the commissioner of Police in the state, the chairman, Lagos State Task Force, CSP Bayo Sulaimon, Cpt. John Daniel, attorney general of the Federation and the National Assembly were listed as respondents in the suit.

Oladimeji, the first plaintiff who is one of the executive officers of the Nigerians Automobile Commercial Owners and Workers Association, alleged that the state had unlawfully impounded no fewer than 7,000 motorcycles belonging to his people.