A gridlock is building up along the Abeokuta-Sagamu expressway as operatives of the Ogun State Police Command mounted roadblocks on the highway.
Motorists and passengers plying the road have also lamented alleged extortion and harassment by operatives manning the checkpoints.
Our Correspondent in Abeokuta learnt that the State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, had ordered the deployment of armed operatives to the highway following the robbery incident that led to the death of the governor’s office Director of Finance and Administration, Taiwo Oyekanmi.
Oyekanmi was killed in Abeokuta on November 29 by gunmen who attacked a bullion van conveying the government’s money.
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But, three weeks after his death, the police are yet to make any arrests.
Daily Trust correspondent who plied the road on Wednesday observed armed policemen mounting checkpoints on both sides by blocking the road with logs of wood and stones.
This has led to disruption of free vehicular movement as traffic builds up while the police carry out stop-and-search checks.
At least 11 roadblocks were sighted from Abeokuta to Sagamu.
A commercial driver, Nojeem Balogun accused the police of using the roadblocks to extort money from motorists.
Balogun commended the police for trying to prevent crime on the highway but lamented that they have taken advantage of the roadblocks to harass and demand money from drivers.
“We know that the police are trying to keep us safe and we appreciate them for this, but they are taking advantage of this to extort us,” he said.
Another motorist, Kayode Ajisafe, said the roadblocks have been causing traffic jams and delays for drivers.
He called on the police to reduce the checkpoints so as to allow for free vehicular movement.
Responding, the Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, said the checkpoints were meant to keep the highway safe for people travelling during the festive period.
He said, “Avail anybody that comes up with such complaint my number. All they need to do is to identify the points and reach out to me because they (police) are there for crime prevention, not extortion and I have told them in clear language that I must not receive such a report.
“The checkpoints will be there at least till the end of the year, you know Christmas and New Year festive period like this is always very challenging. The checkpoints are just to forestall the commission of crime obviously not for extortion. They should not inconvenience road users. If you see such complaint just call me,” the police boss stated.
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