society
Revealed How Corrupt Task Force Extort, Intimidate Trucker Owners at Apapa Ports
Revealed How Corrupt Task Force Officers Extort, Intimidate Trucker Owners at Apapa Ports By Israel Bolaji
Interestingly, aggrieved truck owners and operators in the Apapa ports axis of Lagos State have cried out over the nefarious activities of multiple task force officers operating in the area, calling on the state government for urgent assistance.
The operators who lamented illegal activities of faceless and multiple task force officers at the Apapa ports said they indulge in wanton extortion, corruption, hijacking of trucks, and forceful seizures of trucks with false claims of abandoned vehicles. The alleged victims said the abandoned vehicles task force were in the habit of chasing out drivers of trucks and brazenly driving same to their offices with the claims that the truck was abandoned in a bid to force owners to pay outrageous fines to the tune of N400,000 per truck once the trucks reach their office.
They added further that it has always been difficult to officially identify the miscreants who masquerade as government officials at the Apapa port. Some of the victims recounted their various sad experience to our correspondent.
Ibrahim Lawal – Vice Chairman, Lagos NARTO
I am a truck owner at Apapa port. When NPA and government worked together, things worked. Despite assurances from NPA before the Eto app for the online truck queueing system came, it is problematic. Though it started well briefly. We go first to Ojota and to lillypond where we spend over a month with the loaded trucks. The port officials are supposed to call us from Lilly pond to Apapa but they will not, while some people will pay heavy bribes and those are the ones they will be calling in. I have a truck that has spent three months now waiting to access the port at the Lilly pond. It was loaded with cashew. You can imagine the loss. Our clients will also refuse to pay demurrage leaving us to shoulder the full responsibility alone. For no just cause, they will not grant you the right to access. They simply ensure they allow at night only those who pay outrageous amounts as bribes. Once you don’t, you will queue for months. For example, the official rate on Eto app per truck is about #35,000 which is paid through the bank but to get access you will bribe with an extra #150,000. We have written the government three times on these issues before now.
When the President visited Apapa port we were turned back and we parked around Flour Mill. We were queried for not returning to Lilly pond. Our trucks were seized and we paid #150,000 to the task force officers comprising of different security formations. After we returned to Sanya, task force officers still came and drove our vehicles away. Almost 40 trucks were seized and are still at Alausa. They did the same at Okota. The government who sent them to the port doesn’t know the atrocities they are committing at the ports. That’s why we are here to expose them to the government. Many people have sold their trucks because of these issues. When Lagos intervened things worked till everything scattered again. The terminal operators are also culpable as they load only very few trucks just to create avenues for corruption. They are part of the big problem.
Fatai Raheem, NARTO Member, Transport Owner
On May 27, we parked our trucks at the trailer park garage in Apapa at warehouse road. Task Force officers at Apapa port broke into the park with the claims that the trucks were abandoned. They drove our trucks away. There are many task force units at the Port and they operate with impunity. Nobody can clearly pinpoint who is who officially. When lines don’t move, they just come with hoodlums and seize control of any trucks unchecked.
They drove 5 of our trucks away from the warehouse. On their way to Area, B Customs stopped them. When they could not explain the content of the trucks which were for exports, customs seized the trucks and took them to their office in Ikorodu. as exports trucks, the seal should not be broken but Customs broke the seal for physical examination following which the task force officers later took the trucks to Oshodi where we were forced to pay #400,000 on each of the 5 trucks.
I have lodged complaints to my union at Apapa port and they helped us slashed the outrageous bribe to #250,000 per truck. These guys are called Abandoned Vehicle task force officers and they just seize people’s property forcefully from your parking lot claiming it has been abandoned. The trucks were in the port premises how can you call that abandoned? He asked. NPA are even the instigators of problems from one system to another without solutions. Government should help us reduce the task force.
Sunny Yakubu, Truck owner
I am about to pay the sum of #120,000 to the Abandoned vehicle task force officers at Apapa port. Just last week, my driver called me that his hose pulled out around 2 am while driving around Surulere Enroute Apapa port. Then, some hoodlums came out requesting money before he could repair the vehicle. I appealed to them on phone and pleaded that they accept the sum of #5,000 from the driver and they obliged. My driver also added the N3,000 on him to the money for them and all was going smoothly. Just as the driver was finished up the basic repair which didn’t take more than 10 minutes, the obnoxious abandoned vehicle task force officers emerged from nowhere in their LASTMA truck. They forcefully seized the vehicle and drove it to their office. I pleaded with him to collect #20k that it was an empty truck but he refused. Now they are asking me to pay N120,000 for fine for failing to bribe him earlier with N100,000. This has been our sad experience for long.
UNITED KINGDOM OF ATLANTIS ANNOUNCES HISTORIC SUCCESS:
Premiere of ATC Digital Currency Exchange System Test, Highlighting “Gold Standard” for Humanitarian Purposes*
The Attica Empire, under the distinguished leadership of Empress Nobilisa Prof Sriwan kingjun, Empress of Attica Empire, successfully conducted a groundbreaking premiere test of its ATC (Attica Coin) digital currency exchange system. The event brought together high-ranking leaders and representatives from various nations to witness a spectacular celebration of financial innovation.
### Key Highlights of the ATC Digital Currency Exchange System Test
– The test demonstrated the efficiency and robustness of the ATC digital financial infrastructure, marking a significant milestone for Atlantis United Kingdom.
– Participants who completed the Know Your Customer (KYC) process in accordance with international standards were able to fully exchange ATC coins, thereby strengthening global confidence among currency holders.
– The ATC digital currency is positioned as the world’s first digital asset anchored to the *“Gold Standard”*, with its value guaranteed and validated through gold under certification by the International Court of Justice.
– The primary mission of the ATC currency is to fund humanitarian projects and drive macro-level social development, aligning with the empire’s vision of sustainable global impact.
### Event Atmosphere & Leadership Vision
The premiere was attended by thousands of guests who celebrated in an atmosphere of friendship, featuring:
– A concert performed by leading musical bands.
– A lavish reception of food and drink showcasing the empire’s prosperity and readiness.
– *Emperor Solomon Winning*, ruler of the United Kingdom of Atlantis and a thought leader in future-oriented projects, was celebrated as the transformative force reshaping traditional finance into a future-oriented model.
– Emperor Winning emphasized that the ATC system inaugurates a new, sustainable, and humanitarian economic framework.
*Quotes from Leadership*
_”The ATC digital currency is not just a financial innovation; it is a beacon of hope for global humanitarian efforts. We are committed to leveraging this technology to uplift communities and foster sustainable development.”_
— *Empress Nobilisa Sriwan Kingjun*
_”With the ATC Gold Standard, we are setting a new paradigm in digital finance—one that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and the greater good.”_
— *Emperor Solomon Winning*
Attica Empire is the pioneering force behind the digital economy of the United Kingdom of Atlantis. It focuses on developing secure, asset-backed FinTech solutions to support global usage and worldwide humanitarian efforts.
The ATC Digitalcurrency (Attica Coin) is a gold-backed digital asset designed to:
1. Provide a transparent and efficient medium of exchange.
2. Fund humanitarian initiatives and social development programs.
3. Set a new benchmark for asset-backed cryptocurrencies worldwide.
The Attica Empire remains committed to advancing innovative financial systems that empower global humanitarian projects and foster sustainable economic growth. The success of the ATC digital currency exchange system test paves the way for broader adoption and integration into global financial ecosystems.
### Upcoming Initiatives
– *Global Roadshow:* Attica Empire will embark on a worldwide tour to introduce the ATC digital currency to key financial hubs and international organizations.
– *Humanitarian Partnerships:* Collaborations with NGOs and global institutions to channel ATC funds into pressing social development projects.
– *Technological Advancements:* Continuous enhancement of the ATC platform to ensure scalability, security, and user-centric features.
The Attica Empire invites global stakeholders to join this transformative journey toward a more equitable and sustainable financial future.
Life Patron Gen. Buratai Congratulates Newly Elected Lady Captain of TYBGRCC
ABUJA – The Tukur Yusufu Buratai Golf Resort and Country Club (TYBGRCC) has ushered in a new era of leadership with the election of Ms. Jumai Hajara Adamu as its Lady Captain.
The club’s Life Patron, Lt Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai (Rtd) CFR, former Chief of Army Staff, has extended his warm congratulations and full endorsement. “As the Life Patron, I am immensely proud to see a leader of your calibre step forward,” he stated. “Please be assured of my full and unwavering support throughout your tenure. I have every confidence that your leadership will be marked by significant achievements.”
The election, conducted by the club’s Board of Trustees and membership, highlights a unanimous confidence in Ms. Adamu’s vision and dedication to the sport and the club’s community.
In her acceptance address, the newly elected Lady Captain outlined a forward-looking agenda anchored on three key pillars: Unity, Development, and Inclusiveness. “I believe that golf is not just a sport but a powerful platform for friendship, discipline, mentorship, and community,” she stated, pledging to strengthen member bonds, encourage greater participation among ladies and youth, and enhance the club’s facilities.
Ms. Jumai Hajara Adamu, a respected member known for her active participation and organizational acumen, succeeds a line of distinguished past Lady Captains. She has pledged to build upon their legacy with transparency, teamwork, and accountability, ensuring every member feels heard and represented.
This appointment is seen as a significant step for the TYBGRCC, reinforcing its commitment to excellence, growth, and fostering a vibrant sporting community in the heart of the nation’s capital. The club anticipates a dynamic and prosperous term under her guidance.
About Tukur Yusufu Buratai Golf Resort and Country Club (TYBGRCC):
Located in Abuja, TYBGRCC is a premier golfing destination dedicated to promoting the sport of golf, fostering camaraderie, and encouraging a healthy lifestyle among its members and guests. It stands as a testament to world-class sporting and recreational facilities.
NAWOJ: SEKINAT, CHARITY GETS VOTE OF CONFIDENCE
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists,(NAWOJ), Ogun State Chapter Executives has unanimously passed a vote of confidence on Chairman NAWOJ SEKINAT Salam and the Financial Secretary, Charity James, saying that, their leadership reflect the ideal and objectives of NAWOJ.
This was revealed in a communique issued at an Emergency meeting of the Executive held at the NUJ State Council, Iwe-Iroyin in Abeokuta.
The vote of confidence on the Leadership of NAWOJ was unanimously signed by all the five executive members that attended the meeting with the vice chairperson taking apology for official engagement outside the state capital.
According to the communique ” Consequently, NAWOJ Ogun State Chapter, reaffirms it’s unwavering support and confidence in the Chairperson and the Financial Secretary, Sekinat Salam and Charity James respectively, Urge them to continue in their commitment to purposeful leadership in the best interest of the association and the society at large”.
Speaking briefly with Journalists after the emergency Executive meeting, the Chairperson, Nigeria Association of Woman Journalists (NAWOJ), Com. Sekinat Salam, said the meeting was necessary as the news of her suspension was laughable and insulting because it is like a pot calling a kettle black in this case, saying that the Leadership of the State Council, Com. Wale Olanrewaju has no local standing to suspend her or any executive member, even he cannot be a judge in his own case.
According to her” The Leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State led by Wale Olanrewaju has always been misusing power without recourse to the constitution of this noble Union, hence has no local standing to suspend me or any executive member “.
She said only the Central Working Committee (CWC) has the constitutional rights to sanction or suspend any members found wanting after due process has been followed.
While calling on members to stay calm, Com. Sekinat Salam assured members of positive representation of NAWOJ at both the State and National level, adding the success recorded under her administration cannot be overemphasized.
She therefore called on the National leadership of NUJ to critically look into the matter, either by setting up independent committee to investigate the issues and resolve the matter as quickly as possible.
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