14 arrested as Oyo clears shanties, illegal diesel points on Lagos-Ibadan road

By Adejayan Gbenga –

The Oyo State Government has arrested 14 individuals for allegedly operating illegal shanties and engaging in unauthorized diesel sales along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ibadan.

The arrests were made during a clearing operation led by the Executive Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Security, retired Commissioner of Police Sunday Odukoya. The state special task force conducted the operation to restore order along the highway corridor.

While parading the suspects, CP Odukoya said the individuals were not only selling adulterated diesel but were also involved in other unlawful activities in the area. He stated that they would be prosecuted in a mobile court under the supervision of the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Agency.

Odukoya noted that the state government had issued several warnings to the occupants of the shanties, urging them to vacate the premises before the enforcement began.

“We gave them ample time to leave voluntarily, but they chose to ignore the directive,” he said.

He added that the operation would continue until all illegal structures along the expressway were dismantled, to ensure public safety and restore order in the area.

One of the suspects, Bolaji Mustapha, admitted to being involved in the diesel trade but claimed he was unaware of any prior government warnings.

The task force also removed several makeshift structures during the operation, which the government said posed environmental and security risks to road users and nearby communities.