By Kayode Olabanji, Okitipupa

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The Young Lawyers Forum (YLF), Okitipupa chapter, has condemned the longstanding practice of forcing motorcycle riders to dismount and push their bikes at the Oluwaglass checkpoint along Igbokoda Road in Ilaje Local Government area.

Describing the act as both embarrassing and a violation of fundamental human rights, the group cited chapter 4 of the 1999 constitution, which guarantees freedom of movement.

During a meeting with the Commanding Officer of the Nigerian Army’s 19 Battalion Barracks, the YLF, represented by its Secretary, Ayodeji Omosowone, called for an immediate end to the practice.

“For over a decade, motorcyclists at the Oluwaglass checkpoint have been subjected to this unfair treatment, while their passengers are forced to walk past the checkpoint. While laws exist to regulate road use, no Nigerian law mandates that riders must dismount and push their motorcycles at security checkpoints,” Barr. Omosowone stated.

He further argued that the practice not only strips individuals of their dignity and freedom of movement but also discriminates against them based on their social and economic status.

In response, Commanding Officer Major Morakinyo assured the delegation that he would direct soldiers at the checkpoint to halt the enforcement of motorcycle pushing, addressing the concerns raised by the lawyers.