The Lagos State Chapter of the Take It Back (TIB) Movement has condemned the growing trend of civilians using military personnel to intimidate and assault Nigerians.
This comes in response to a recent incident in which a businessman allegedly brought a soldier to physically assault a commercial motorcycle rider popularly known as an okada rider over a minor dispute.
According to Adekunle Adeyemi Taofeeq, popularly known as Scotty Aluta and the Lagos coordinator of the TIB Movement, the act was brought to his attention by a concerned community member.
“Yesterday, I was contacted by a concerned comrade about a troubling incident in their community where a businessman brought in a soldier to beat up a bike man over a minor issue,” Taofeeq wrote in a public statement. “I was told this isn’t the first time the man has used soldiers to threaten and intimidate people around him. It has become a pattern of abuse and unchecked power.”
Acting swiftly on the matter, Taofeeq advised the victim to report the assault at the nearest police station. The move led to the prompt arrest of both the businessman and the soldier involved.
“I’m pleased to inform you that both the businessman and the soldier are now in police custody, and we will ensure they face the full weight of the law for assault and battery,” he stated.
He went further to denounce what he described as a disturbing pattern, particularly among individuals he referred to as “so-called ‘yahoo boys’,” who exploit their military connections to instill fear and violate the rights of fellow citizens.
“This kind of behavior is becoming too common,” Taofeeq emphasized. “They forget that no one is above the law. Let this be a warning: We will no longer tolerate the use of military personnel to bully, beat, or silence ordinary citizens. The military is meant to protect us, not be used as tools of oppression.”
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant, report any form of abuse, and stand united against all forms of injustice.
“To everyone reading this: never be afraid to speak up. Report injustice. Support one another. Because an injury to one is an injury to all,” he concluded.
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