Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, has vowed that the state government will intensify efforts to curb the activities of individuals who stop luxury vehicles along the Lekki-Epe Expressway, describing the practice as criminal and unacceptable.
Hamzat made the declaration during an interview on Nigeria Info FM after the programme host, Jimi Disu, drew his attention to reports of young men allegedly intercepting motorists, particularly owners of expensive vehicles, along the Lekki-Epe corridor.
During the interview, Disu appealed to the deputy governor to use his office to address what he described as a growing nuisance on the road, saying residents and regular users of the expressway were increasingly concerned about the activities of the individuals popularly referred to as “car spotters.”
Responding to the concern, Hamzat said the government would not tolerate any activity capable of threatening public safety or intimidating motorists.
“That is criminal, and therefore we will not allow it. We will take many of them off the streets,” the deputy governor said.
He acknowledged that complaints had been received from residents and road users regarding the presence of individuals whom many consider a menace along the Lekki-Epe axis. According to him, the state government is aware of the problem and is already taking steps to address it.
Disu had earlier stated during the programme that road users had repeatedly complained about the increasing presence of suspicious persons from Lekki through the Epe corridor, urging the government to intervene before the situation worsens.
Hamzat disclosed that security agencies had already arrested several suspects linked to the activities. He said surveillance cameras installed along the expressway had been instrumental in identifying individuals involved in the alleged offences.
“A lot of people have been arrested. There are many cameras on that road, and people have been identified through them,” he said.
The deputy governor added that some of those arrested had already been taken before a Magistrate Court for prosecution, indicating that the government intended to pursue legal action against offenders.
“I can show you that some people are in the Magistrate Court today,” he stated.
Hamzat further revealed that some of the arrests were made recently, noting that security operatives apprehended suspects during operations carried out over the past week and the weekend.
“They were arrested last week, towards the end of the week, and some over the weekend,” he explained.
Although he did not provide the exact number of suspects arrested, Hamzat maintained that the government would continue to work with law enforcement agencies to ensure that motorists can use the Lekki-Epe Expressway without fear of harassment or intimidation.
The Lekki-Epe corridor has witnessed rapid commercial and residential development in recent years, attracting increased traffic and a growing number of luxury vehicles. Concerns have also risen over the activities of individuals who allegedly approach motorists under various pretences, leading to calls for tighter security along the route.
Hamzat’s remarks suggest that the Lagos State Government is adopting a stronger enforcement approach, with surveillance technology and prosecution expected to play a key role in the crackdown.
He assured residents that the administration remained committed to improving security across the state and would continue to remove criminal elements from public spaces in order to protect lives, property and the reputation of the Lekki-Epe corridor.
