Commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as okada riders, have been prohibited by the Osun State Police Command from wearing facemasks and hoods. The Command also warned residents not to board motorcycles with hooded riders.
This was announced on Monday by Mrs. Yemisi Opalola, the Osun State Police Public Relations Officer.
She stated that some motorcycle riders use hoods to conceal their identity by covering their noses with facemasks in order to perpetuate crimes including robbery and rape.
She said, “This stern warning becomes imperative due to a series of reports received by the police command that criminal-minded bike riders use hoods with intent to commit crimes.
“Members of the public are advised not to board or engage the service of any commercial motorcyclist with hoods or facemasks while working.”
Opalola urged the state’s motorcycle associations to advise their members against covering their heads and faces in any way while riding their motorcycles.
According to Opalola, the leadership has planned ways to arrest and prosecute anyone who breaches the restriction.
