Ondo Govt bans night Okada operations, cart pushing as security clampdown intensifies

The Ondo State Government has announced a ban on night-time motorcycle operations and cart pushing in major urban areas as part of measures to tackle rising cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, and other criminal activities across the state.

The directive, signed off by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, also mandates mandatory registration and certification of all motorcycle operators with the Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun) within two weeks. Motorcycle operators who fail to register will be considered to be operating unlawfully. After the initial two-week period, a registration fee of ₦20,000 will apply.

Parading 70 suspects in Akure, Amotekun State Commander Chief Adetunji Adeleye said the measures were aimed at strengthening public safety and curbing criminal activities. The arrests include 18 alleged kidnappers, individuals linked to breaches of law and order, human trafficking, anti-grazing law violations, and other court-related matters.

Adeleye explained, “The operational use of motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, is restricted between 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., except for security agencies and persons exempted by government. Cart pushing in major metropolitan areas is also prohibited, while dealers in condemned scrap metal must register within two weeks.”

He also directed that roadside sale of farm produce is banned, citing intelligence that some makeshift markets were being used by criminal elements to monitor urban activities. Adeleye urged residents to cooperate with security agencies to ensure public safety.

Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command announced the arrest of four suspected armed robbers and the recovery of four stolen motorcycles. The suspects—Aliu Damilola (39), Kolawole Gbenga (41), Adedokun Azeez Olalekan (26), and Olamiposi Ajifowogbade (36)—were apprehended in Akure and Ilesa, Osun State, following intelligence-led operations by the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Section.

DSP Abayomi Jimoh, police spokesperson, said the suspects were part of a criminal syndicate responsible for armed hijackings targeting motorcycles in Akure. He confirmed that preliminary investigations revealed the suspects used firearms to intimidate and dispossess victims.

Recovered motorcycles are in police custody, pending identification and return to rightful owners. Investigations continue to apprehend additional members of the syndicate and recover more stolen property,” Jimoh added.

He reiterated the police’s zero tolerance for armed robbery, kidnapping, and violent crimes, emphasizing that public cooperation remains critical for maintaining peace and security across the state.