Lagos State Taskforce has arrested a woman, identified as Alimat Yusuf Idowu, alongside one Ola, Sanjay, Aliu and five other suspects over the alleged illegal sales of “immunity stickers” to motorists to evade arrest and sanctions for traffic violations within the state.
The arrests followed coordinated enforcement operations carried out across key locations in Lagos, including Oshodi, Isolo, Mushin, Apapa, Mile 2, Apapa Expressway, Iyana-Ipaja, Abule-Egba and Ile-Epo, as operatives tracked the suspects’ agents and distribution networks.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were involved in issuing various branded stickers falsely presented as legitimate authorisations that allow commercial vehicles and unpainted taxis, popularly known as kabukabu, to operate without interference from law enforcement agencies, particularly during routine Taskforce operations.
Further findings showed that the stickers bore names and logos of transport-union-related brands, unauthorised local government stickers, unregistered transport association emblems, as well as fake enforcement and compliance stickers produced by private individuals and tout syndicates.
These stickers were unlawfully produced and circulated by unauthorised persons with no legal backing, deliberately misleading drivers into believing that possession of such stickers conferred immunity from arrest.
Investigations also established that the racket involved the collection of illegal weekly or monthly fees ranging from ₦15,000 to ₦20,000 per vehicle in exchange for continuous protection from enforcement actions.
Commenting on the development, the Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, said the arrests underscore the agency’s determination to dismantle all forms of criminal activity once brought to its attention by members of the public.
“This illegal sticker system, with inscriptions such as Fire (Ina), Olamoney, Sanjay Omo Oga, Dman, 100% 23–24, Psalm 72, among others, has operated for far too long.
We are determined to arrest and prosecute anyone who extorts commercial vehicle operators or claims to shield them from enforcement for violating traffic regulations. These practices are illegal and undermine the integrity of the state’s transportation system,” he said.
Akerele issued a stern warning that any commercial vehicle found displaying illegal or unauthorised stickers would be arrested and required to explain their source and purpose.
“No individual, group or association has the authority to issue stickers that confer immunity from traffic laws. Any commercial vehicle found with such illegal stickers will be arrested and investigated,” he warned.
Akerele noted that the ongoing enforcement is part of a broader strategy to restore law and order on Lagos roads and to protect transport operators from intimidation, extortion and exploitation by touts and other illegal actors.
“It is part of our statutory responsibility to arrest and prosecute individuals involved in the illegal issuance of fines, tickets or unlawful levies within the metropolis. Everyone involved in this illicit practice will be brought to book,” he added.
The Taskforce urged vehicle owners and drivers to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the agency, assuring the public that investigations are ongoing and that further arrests would be made to eradicate the menace.
The arrested suspect has been charged to court and pleaded not guilty. Although granted bail, she was remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending the fulfilment of her bail conditions. The case has been adjourned to March 24, 2026
