Three Arrested Over Illegal U-Turns, Money Collection On Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road
Three persons have been arrested for allegedly creating illegal U-turns along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road and collecting money from motorists who used the unauthorised openings.
The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Engr. Olufemi Dare, disclosed this on Saturday while representing the Minister of Works, David Umahi, at a joint press briefing with the Lagos State Police Command in Lagos.
Dare said the three suspects were among 12 persons arrested for allegedly engaging in vandalism and other prohibited activities along the coastal highway.
According to him, nine of the suspects were arrested over alleged vandalism of government infrastructure, while the remaining three were apprehended for allegedly creating unauthorised U-turns and charging motorists to use them.
He disclosed that five of the suspects had already been charged to court, while investigations were continuing into the activities of the others.
Dare said the ongoing investigation was aimed at uncovering the wider network allegedly involved in receiving and disposing of vandalised government property, stressing that the authorities would not stop at arresting those caught removing public infrastructure.
He warned motorists and other road users against violating regulations governing the use of the Coastal Road, describing the route as a major superhighway linking Lagos with Calabar.
Dare particularly warned trailers against parking along the highway, stressing that the road was not designed to serve as a trailer park.
He also announced a ban on the use of tricycles and bicycles on the Coastal Road, warning that offenders would be arrested and their vehicles confiscated.
He said, “We have another three, three of them here that created illegal U-turns on the Coastal Road. They were like collecting money. They give U-turns to people and then they collect money from them.
“All of this is not tolerated on the Coastal Road.”
The Federal Controller also warned against the rearing of animals along the highway, saying goats, sheep and cattle would not be allowed on the road.
He added that destitute persons were also prohibited from staying along the Coastal Road.
Dare urged motorists whose vehicles developed faults on the highway to immediately contact the police or officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps for assistance.
He warned that vehicles abandoned on the road would be towed away to prevent them from obstructing traffic and creating safety risks.
“If your vehicle breaks down, call on the police. They can easily help us. We have road safety there that will help you.
“But if you leave it there, that vehicle will be towed away,” he said.
