Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat has vowed to remove individuals stopping luxury vehicles along the Lekki-Epe Expressway, describing the activity as criminal and saying surveillance cameras have helped authorities make arrests.
Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat has vowed to clamp down on individuals who stop luxury vehicles along the Lekki-Epe Expressway, describing the activity as criminal.
Hamzat made the declaration during an interview on Nigeria Info FM, following concerns raised about the activities of people who allegedly stop high-end vehicles along the busy Lagos road.
During the interview, the host, Jimi Disu, called the deputy governor’s attention to what he described as the activities of “these boys stopping luxury cars” along the Lekki-Epe axis.
Disu also urged Hamzat to use his position to address the situation.
Responding, the deputy governor said the government would not allow the activity to continue.
“That is criminal. And therefore, we will not allow it. So, we will take a lot of them off the street,” Hamzat said.
Hamzat said security and surveillance cameras installed along the road have helped authorities identify individuals allegedly involved in criminal activities.
According to the deputy governor, several people have already been arrested, with some cases now before the courts.
“Well, a lot of people have been arrested, really. If you commit… a lot of cameras are also on that road and people have been seen. And I can show you people, some people are in the Magistrate Court today,” Hamzat said.
He also confirmed that some of the arrests took place recently.
“They were arrested last week or so. I think towards the end, no, over the weekend,” he added.
The comments indicate that the Lagos government is relying partly on surveillance technology and law enforcement to tackle the activities along the Lekki-Epe corridor.
The issue came up after Disu raised concerns about what he described as the presence of individuals who pose a threat to road users and residents along the route.
The Lekki-Epe Expressway is one of the major transportation corridors in Lagos, connecting several rapidly developing communities on the Lekki and Epe axis.
According to the concerns raised during the interview, individuals stopping luxury vehicles have become a source of unease for some motorists using the road.
The deputy governor acknowledged the broader concerns, referring to the presence of what he described as a “menace to society” along the axis.
His comments suggest that the government’s concerns extend beyond the act of stopping luxury vehicles to alleged criminal activities associated with some individuals operating along the road.
What Are Car Spotters?
The term “car spotters” can generally refer to people who watch, identify or photograph vehicles, particularly rare or luxury cars.
However, the activity described during the Nigeria Info FM interview involves individuals allegedly stopping luxury vehicles on the road.
Hamzat specifically characterized the conduct being discussed as criminal.
It is important to note that describing the activity as criminal does not, by itself, establish the guilt of every individual accused of participating in it. Specific allegations would have to be established through the appropriate law enforcement and judicial processes.
Arrests Have Already Been Made, Hamzat Says
The deputy governor’s comments indicate that enforcement action has already begun.
Hamzat said a number of people had been arrested and that surveillance footage had helped authorities identify individuals connected to alleged offences.
Some of those arrested, he said, had appeared before Magistrate Courts.
He also indicated that further enforcement could follow as the government continues to monitor the area.
The use of surveillance cameras could make it easier for law enforcement agencies to investigate incidents reported along the expressway and identify suspects.
The development comes amid wider concerns about security and road safety along major routes in Lagos.
For motorists, incidents involving people stopping vehicles on busy roads can raise concerns about personal safety, traffic disruption and possible criminal activity.
The Lekki-Epe corridor has also experienced significant population growth and development over the years, increasing the volume of traffic and the number of people using the route.
As a result, maintaining security along the road remains important for residents, commuters and other road users.
Hamzat’s comments suggest that the Lagos government intends to use both policing and surveillance technology to address activities it considers unlawful.
Hamzat’s declaration represents a firm position against individuals allegedly stopping luxury vehicles along the Lekki-Epe Expressway.
The deputy governor said the government would take action against those involved, while noting that arrests had already taken place.
With surveillance cameras operating along parts of the route, authorities could also have access to footage that may assist investigations and prosecutions.
However, any enforcement effort will ultimately need to distinguish between legitimate activities, suspicious conduct and proven criminal offences.
For motorists and residents along the Lekki-Epe axis, the expectation is that increased enforcement will contribute to a safer environment and reduce incidents that could threaten road users.
What Happens Next?
The Lagos State Government is yet to publicly provide a comprehensive breakdown of the number of people arrested or the specific offences allegedly committed by those currently facing court proceedings.
Further details from the authorities could clarify the scope of the crackdown, the offences involved and the measures being taken to prevent similar activities along the Lekki-Epe Expressway.
For now, Hamzat’s message is clear: the Lagos government intends to take action against individuals it believes are using the road to engage in criminal activities, with surveillance cameras and law enforcement forming part of the response.
