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Okada Riders Accused Customs Officials Of Extortion In Apapa
Commercial motorcycle riders popularly known as okada have accused Customs officials manning the gate of Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) of extortion.
The okada riders lamented the incessant collection of “tolls” by the Apapa Area Command Customs operatives whenever they drop passengers in front of its gate.
One of the okada riders, who identified himself as Ali, said his motorcycle was seized by the Customs officials because he refused to bribe them after dropping off a passenger in front of the gate of the command.
“As you can see, while some who might have given bribes to the officers in charge for them to do as they like, my bike was seized and they requested #15,000 to bail which I don’t have. I can only account for #500 here with me,” he said.
Another okada rider, who confirmed the development at the command, said the extortion and illegal collection of money from the motorcyclists had been “going on for a long time”.
“My colleagues also lament the series of extortions experienced in their hands,” he said.