The commercial motorcyclists operating at Akobo-Ojurin-Olorunda Aba in Lagelu Local Government Area, Ibadan have lamented heavy extortion by the police, saying that these police personnel have become notorious in their extortion.
The motorcyclists noted that these police officers usually force them to part with their hard-earned money.
According to some of the motorcyclists, it is difficult for them not to give these police officers whatever they demand from them because if they do so, the consequence is usually grievous.
One of the motorcyclists said, “These police people stay in our parks from morning till evening. Once a motorcyclist has carried his passengers, they will go to him and make a demand. If a motorcyclist refuses to give them money, they will arrest such, take him to the police station, and seize his motorcycle. Such motorcyclists will pay heavily before they will release his motorcycle to him.”
One of our reporters who visited Akobo-Ojurin found out that two policewomen operate at the park. While one is fat and dark in colour, the other is light in complexion. The two policewomen did not wear uniform and they were seen forcefully collecting money from their victims.
It was gathered that each motorcyclist pays N400 per day. Each motorcyclist pays N200 between 7 am and 2 pm and they also pay another N200 from 4 pm till about 7 pm.
One of the motorcyclists informed our reporters that the police officers are also at different spots from Ojurin to Olorunda Aba.