The Osun State Police Command has prohibited commercial motorcycle operators, known as okada riders, from wearing fscemasks and hoods, and has warned citizens not to board motorcycles with hooded riders.
Mrs. Yemisi Opalola, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, announced the restriction in a press statement in Osogbo, the state capital, on Monday.
She claimed that some motorcycle riders put on hoods to conceal their identity by covering their noses with facemasks with the goal to conduct crimes including robbery and rape.
“This stern warning has become necessary due to a series of reports received by the police command that criminal minded bike riders use hood with intent to commit crimes,” she said.
“Members of the public are urged not to board or hire any commercial motorcyclist who is wearing a hood/facemask while working.”
The PPRO urged the state’s biker 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.