​Corruption In Uniform: How TRACE Officers Extort Okada Riders In Ijebu Igbo

In recent times, Ijebu Igbo has been plagued by an alarming rise in misconduct by TRACE (Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps) officers. Reports have surfaced detailing how these officers, who are meant to uphold traffic laws and ensure the safety of the public, have instead turned into predators, exploiting their positions for personal gain. Their collusion with area thugs to extort money from commercial motorcycle riders, commonly known as “okada riders,” is particularly concerning.

Numerous eyewitness accounts and victim testimonies reveal a pattern of systemic abuse. TRACE officers, under the guise of enforcing traffic regulations, target okada riders with relentless harassment. These officers, in league with local thugs, create a hostile environment where riders are compelled to pay exorbitant sums of money to avoid trumped-up charges or confiscation of their motorcycles. This illicit collaboration not only undermines the integrity of the TRACE Corps but also erodes public trust in law enforcement.

One personal motorcycle user who preferred to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal, recounted his ordeal: “I was stopped by TRACE officers and accused of violating traffic laws. I was accused of not wearing helmet. I politely apologized and explained I was only going to get food and drugs for my ailing mother. They threatened to seize my bike unless I paid a fine. Seeing the level of refusal, the officer instructed one of the area thugs to take my bike to their office at the Ijebu North local government secretariat.  I was shocked, seeing the area thug ride my motorcycle to their office without helmet. In Fact, about ten other riders drove past us without helmets but they were not stopped by this devil-reincarnate officer. I asked why he didnt stop them and he told me he stops anyone he likes and that I can not tell him who to stop.

Onlookers at the scene told me that’s how they do. They take advantage of meek individuals. I was made to pay a heavy sum, unnecessarily stopping me from attending to my ailing mother who urgently needs my attention. To me, this isn’t enforcement, it’s robbery.”

The extortion racket operates with impunity, largely because these officers leverage their authority to intimidate their victims. The situation has reached a breaking point, with many okada riders feeling helpless and voiceless in the face of this rampant corruption.

In light of these disturbing developments, it is imperative for the TRACE Commander General to take immediate and decisive action. The credibility of the TRACE Corps and the safety of the community are at stake. A thorough investigation must be conducted to identify and discipline the rogue officers involved in these malpractices. Moreover, there should be stringent measures put in place to ensure accountability and transparency within the ranks of the TRACE Corps.

The people of Ijebu Igbo deserve a traffic enforcement body that genuinely works in their best interests, not one that exploits them. The Commander General must prioritize restoring the integrity of the TRACE Corps and putting an end to the criminal activities perpetrated by those who have sworn to protect and serve. The time to act is now, before further damage is done to the community and the reputation of TRACE.

It is crucial for residents to continue to speak out against these injustices and for local leaders to support efforts aimed at reforming the TRACE Corps. Only through collective action and steadfast commitment to justice can we hope to eradicate the corruption that has taken root among the TRACE officers, especially in Ijebu Igbo.