Operatives of the Lagos State Task Force on Friday 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.
Chairman of the Lagos State Task Force, SP Olayinka Egbeyemi, who led the enforcement operations along Lagos-Abeokuta expressway, disclosed that 19 motorists were apprehended for driving against oncoming vehicles (one-way) which is contrary to ‘Schedule (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 oncoming vehicles.
SP Egbeyemi confirmed that 12 private car owners and seven commercial bus drivers were apprehended during the enforcement operations.
He stated that the ongoing construction of ‘BRT Corridor’ along Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway by the present government is meant to decongest traffic gridlock around that area.
The Chairman urged motorists, particularly commercial bus drivers to desist from driving against traffic and obey the various traffic signs conspicuously displayed by traffic officers along that axis.
SP Egbeyemi warned that any motorist arrested for driving against traffic in any part of the Lagos State would be charged to court.
He however confirmed that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Acting CP Edgal Imohimi, had directed that all the 19 arrested motorists be charged 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 that is an Honda Car with registration Number (BDG 465 XL) belonging to one Mr. Felix John, after he pleaded ‘guilty’ to have driven against oncoming vehicle (one-way) in contrary to Schedule (1) item 27 of the Lagos State Road Traffic Laws of 2012 levied against him.
Chief Magistrate 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.
Prosecution Counsel, Barrister Olumide Ajibola, said arraignment of the 19 arrested motorists driving against oncoming vehicles would serve as deterrent to other road users across the state.
