The police in Ogun State have warned locals to stop supporting okada riders, or commercial motorcyclists, whose bikes lack registered number plates.
Police issued the warning in response to recent activities of some okada riders, whose specialty is stealing people’s bags, phones and other property while they’re driving.
WITHIN NIGERIA learned that residents of Abeokuta and other parts of Ogun State have been complaining about how some unidentified bike men who pose as commercial motorcyclists are robbing them of their possessions.
Abimbola Oyeyemi, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, said the command had learned about the activities of the “fake okada riders” while speaking on a radio programme in Abeokuta.
Oyeyemi claims that those who commit the crimes typically ride unregistered motorbikes to avoid being caught by security personnel.
While urging Ogun residents to be circumspect when picking okada riders, Oyeyemi warned them to always be on the alert any time they waite by the roadside.
“Before you sit on any okada, check and see if it has a number plate. If it does not have a number plate, please avoid it. Those people snatching phones and committing other crimes under the guise of being commercial motorcyclists are always with unregistered motorbikes. Please be careful. And if you are on the road, please don’t be too careless. Keep your things well,” Oyeyemi said.
The police spokesman, however, said the police would do everything to secure residents of the state from criminal elements.
He warned criminals to vacate the State or risk being arrested and prosecuted, stating that Ogun is not a safe haven for robbers and others.
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