Grief and outrage filled the air on Friday as the family of Muazu Muhammed, a commercial motorcycle (okada) rider fatally shot by police in Lagos, laid him to rest according to Islamic rites.
Muazu, described as the breadwinner of his family, was shot dead by police officers on Thursday night in the Onosa area of Ibeju-Lekki, along the Lekki-Epe Expressway.
According to witnesses, the incident occurred around 9 pm after an argument broke out between the police and a group of riders, including Muazu, over motorcycle seizure.
His maternal uncle, Mansur Muhammed, speaking to our reporter on Sunday, revealed that three bullets were extracted from Muazu’s body before burial.
“Muazu’s death may have been destined, but justice must still be done. We need the government to hold the responsible officers accountable. This cannot continue,” he said.
Eyewitnesses said Muazu was shot in the neck, shoulder blade, and side of his abdomen during a scuffle with a police officer who attempted to seize his motorcycle.
Two others; Ibrahim Abdullahi and Muhammed Sani were also injured by gunfire during the confrontation.
Survivor Ibrahim Abdullahi, speaking from his hospital bed at JMC Hospital, recounted the ordeal.
“We were about to go home when they came to seize our bikes. When Muazu resisted, they shot him. I told the officer I wouldn’t let them take the bike even if it meant dying, and he shot me too,” he said.
Abdullahi accused the police of persistent harassment and extortion of okada riders, stating that they regularly pay N4,000 to task forces, N1,200 in daily levies, and still face demands from officers.
“We barely make N10,000 daily, and yet we’re constantly harassed. How are we supposed to survive, let alone support our families?” he lamented.
He appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene, especially given the economic and emotional toll the incident has taken on Muazu’s family, who have been left without a provider.
The shooting sparked protests on Friday morning, with angry okada riders blocking the expressway and lighting bonfires at Onosa Bus Stop.
The chaos disrupted traffic until police from the Elemoro Division dispersed the demonstrators with tear gas.
When our reporters visited the area, Onosa Bus Stop was eerily quiet.
Armed officers were stationed across key locations, and many riders had fled to nearby Igando to avoid further clashes.
A local task force officer, Idowu Babatunde, criticized the ongoing harassment of riders even when they operate within government-approved inner routes.
“Police seize bikes even when riders stay within the permitted zones. This is nothing short of extortion. It’s been going on for years, and it’s what led to this tragedy,” he said.
According to him, riders pay as much as ₦75,000 to retrieve impounded motorcycles, placing unbearable pressure on low-income earners.
In response to the public outcry, the Lagos State Police Command confirmed the detention of six officers from the Elemoro Division who were involved in the shooting.
Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin said Commissioner of Police Owohunwa Jimoh had visited the community to restore calm and engage with local leaders.
“The command has commenced a full investigation into the incident. The officers are currently in custody, and we urge residents to remain calm while we ensure justice is served,” the statement read.
