FG Considering Nationwide Okada Ban – Malami
The Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami has revealed that the federal government is considering a nationwide ban on motorcycles, popularly known as Okada.
According to Malami, the proposed is aimed at cutting off sources of funds for terrorists and bandits.
The Minister of Justice gave the hint on the considered nation-wide ban on Okadas on Thursday, while addressing State House correspondents following a meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
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On why the ban matters, Malami said detailed investigations have revealed that motorcycles are mostly used for mining activities, which serves as a source of funding for terrorists and bandits.
He said the bandits have moved from their conventional ways of funding their activities to mining and ransom taking.
Continuing, Malami said the bandits use the motorcycles for movements, while making money from mining to fund their arms supply.
On what the effect of the ban would be for ordinary Nigerians and the economy, Malami said the government would prioritize national and public interests above individual interests.
DAILY REPORT recalls that the Lagos State Government imposed a ban on six local government areas in the state in June.
The six LGAs are Ikeja, Surulere, Eti-Osa, Lagos Mainland, Lagos Island, and Apapa.
The ban followed the killing of a sound engineer, David Imoh by motorcycle operators in the Lekki area of the state.
Imoh was accused of being a ritualist, was beaten to pulp and set ablaze by the Okada men.
