The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has issued a directive to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun,, to arrest Shamsudeen Adebayo Apelegun, the National Chairman of the Tricycle Association of Nigeria. This order comes after Apelegun repeatedly failed to honor summonses issued by the committee regarding serious allegations of financial misappropriation and abuse of office. The committee's frustration has led to the decision to pursue legal action to ensure his attendance and accountability in the matter.
The immediate arrest order was issued after Apelegun ignored over five separate summonses from the committee, demonstrating a clear disregard for the legislative process. On Thursday, members of the committee held an emergency meeting and unanimously agreed to instruct Egbetokun to detain Apelegun and bring him before the committee at its next scheduled meeting on December 3, 2024, to address the allegations. The decision was a significant step, underlining the committee’s resolve to hold individuals in positions of power accountable for their actions and to uphold the integrity of the nation’s governance processes.[/p>
The controversy began after a petition was filed by the law firm I.M. Iliyasu and Co., representing members of the Tricycle Association of Nigeria. The petition alleges that Apelegun has been involved in significant financial misconduct and improper management within the association, prompting the committee to call for a detailed investigation. Despite the seriousness of the charges, Apelegun's continued absence from the hearings has raised concerns regarding his willingness to cooperate with the investigation. The committee has made it clear that this behavior will not be tolerated and that they are committed to ensuring justice is served for the people of Nigeria.
Chairman of the committee, Mike Etaba, spoke on the matter, stating, "We are here to ensure Nigerians' welfare and will not tolerate any form of lawlessness. The Inspector General of Police is hereby requested to bring Apelegun in person during the next hearing." His remarks reflect the committee's no-nonsense approach to tackling corruption and ensuring that those who hold positions of power are held to account. The committee’s statement signals its determination to follow through with its duties, regardless of the position or influence of those being investigated.
In a related matter, the committee also addressed another pressing issue involving the management of Prima Factory, a company located on Badagry Road in Lagos. The company’s management has failed to appear before the committee to respond to allegations of neglect regarding an employee, Rafiu Taiwo, who was severely injured while working at the factory. According to reports, Taiwo was abandoned by the company after sustaining a workplace injury and has not received the necessary care or compensation for his ordeal. His case has raised concerns about the lack of worker protection and accountability within certain companies operating in Nigeria.
In response to this, the committee has threatened similar legal action against Prima Factory’s management for failing to address the issue or appear before the committee. The committee issued a stern warning, emphasizing that all companies operating within Nigeria must treat their workers with respect and responsibility. Failure to comply with this standard could result in severe consequences. Prima Factory, which is a Chinese-owned producer of plastic preforms and caps, was urged to respond to the committee’s summons promptly or face possible repercussions, including legal action. The committee’s focus on worker rights highlights its commitment to ensuring that all Nigerians are treated fairly and justly, especially in matters concerning their safety and well-being at the workplace.