Ogun Government Cracks Down on Illegal Motorcycle Groups

The Ogun State Government has started a crackdown on unapproved motorcycle associations operating in the state. They have warned these groups to stop collecting money, fees, and other charges from commercial motorcycle operators immediately. Kayode Akinmade, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the governor, made this announcement in a statement on Sunday.

The government stated that only three motorcycle associations are allowed to operate on public roads and parks in Ogun State. These are ROMO, AMORAN, and ACCOMORAN.

They described the actions of unapproved associations as breaking the rules set by the state. The government said that these illegal activities disrupt the regulation of commercial motorcycle transport. They also threaten public peace and order, and lead to the illegal collection of funds meant for the government.

The government specifically called out ANACOWA, AKMODE Transport Limited, and other motorcycle groups as unapproved. These groups do not have permission from the Ogun State Ministry of Transportation to conduct revenue activities on public roads and parks.

They also made it clear that the Ogun State Internal Revenue Service (OGIRS) has not given these groups permission to collect personal income tax or any government fees from their members.

The government explained that registering an association with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) only gives it legal status. It does not mean they have a license to operate in regulated commercial motorcycle transport or collect taxes and other government money in the state.

While citizens can form or join associations, this right does not automatically allow them to carry out regulated business activities without the proper approvals, permits, and licenses from the government.

The government addressed a court judgment from March 28, 2023, by Justice Akinyemi. This judgment has been used by AKMODE Transport Limited and others to defend their actions. The government explained that the judgment confirmed the right to freedom of association through registration with the CAC. But, it does not give them the license to run commercial motorcycle activities in public spaces or collect government revenue.

The judgment also did not cancel the state’s rules on licensing and regulating commercial motorcycle operations.

As a result, the government has ordered ANACOWA, AKMODE Transport Limited, and all unapproved motorcycle groups to stop collecting money and other unauthorized activities in public spaces across the state right away.

They warned that if these groups continue to operate, it will be seen as breaking the state’s rules and challenging the government.

The government promised that enforcement of this order will be done in a professional and peaceful manner, following the law.

The Ministry of Information will start public awareness about this order immediately. Relevant security and enforcement agencies have been told to begin simultaneous implementation.

The government said that the Police and other agencies will take all legal actions against anyone that breaks this order. This may include arresting people suspected of breaking the law, taking or impounding property, and prosecuting them in court.

Commercial motorcycle operators and the public were advised not to pay any taxes, fees, or other charges to any group or person not approved by the state government.

The government urged everyone involved to follow this order and work with the authorities to ensure a well-regulated and lawful commercial motorcycle transport system in Ogun State.