Taskforce Denies Bribery Allegation In Viral Video, Faults Objectv Reporter

OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos

The Lagos State Taskforce has dismissed allegations of bribery levelled against its officials in a viral video circulated by Objectv reporter, Mr. Segun Adewoye, describing the report as misleading and lacking factual basis.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the agency’s Director of Public Affairs, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, the Taskforce said the claims made in the video were inaccurate and stemmed from a failure by the reporter to properly verify facts before publication.

According to the agency, preliminary observations indicate that the individual captured in the video was not a Taskforce official but a regular police officer, noting that a basic assessment of uniforms would have clarified the distinction.

The statement explained that while the Taskforce includes police personnel, its officials wear a distinct uniform, black-on-denim attire with jackets clearly marked “Taskforce” on both the front and back, alongside identifiable serial numbers and the agency’s insignia. It added that none of these features were visible in the video in question.

The Taskforce further criticised Adewoye’s approach to reporting, accusing him of repeated inaccuracies. It cited a previous incident in which the reporter allegedly misidentified Taskforce officials as members of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority’s Bus Rapid Transit Monitoring and Enforcement Unit.

Describing the latest report as reckless, the agency warned against attempts to tarnish its reputation, insisting it remains committed to enforcing traffic laws without bias or compromise.

The statement also suggested that the recurring reports may be linked to dissatisfaction over the agency’s refusal to grant waivers to individuals who violate traffic regulations.

Reaffirming its mandate under the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018, the Taskforce urged members of the public to disregard the video, maintaining that it would continue its efforts to ensure order and safety on Lagos roads.