Petition alleges harassment, extortion, sexual exploitation of Egun women traders in Makoko

A Lagos resident, Afose Sulayman Senayon, has petitioned relevant authorities over the alleged persistent harassment, intimidation, extortion, and sexual exploitation of Egun women traders operating in Makoko, under the Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

The petition, dated July 6, 2026, was addressed to the Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), the Executive Chairman of Yaba LCDA, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command, and the Chairman of the Lagos State Crime Commission.

In the petition, Senayon alleged that Egun women traders, many of whom rely on fishing and the sale of fish, seafood, and other goods for their livelihood, have been subjected to unlawful treatment for years by some drivers, conductors, transport union operatives, and individuals posing as tax collectors.

According to him, the women are routinely forced to pay multiple illegal levies before gaining access to vehicles or trading locations.

He further alleged that those who refuse to make the payments are often verbally abused, intimidated, assaulted, or prevented from conducting their lawful businesses.

Senayon claimed that investigations conducted following complaints from members of the Makoko community suggested that the alleged abuses were widespread. He added that the issue became more personal after his wife was reportedly affected by a similar incident.

The petitioner also raised allegations of sexual exploitation, claiming that some individuals allegedly demand sexual favours or coerce vulnerable women into exploitative relationships in exchange for access to transportation or trading opportunities.

He alleged that victims who report such incidents to family members or community leaders are often threatened with violence or further victimisation, creating what he described as “a culture of fear and silence.”

Senayon argued that the alleged actions constitute violations of the constitutional rights and dignity of the affected women, negatively impacting their livelihoods, family welfare, and the socio-economic stability of the Makoko community.

He called on the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations, prosecute anyone found culpable, and implement measures to ensure that Egun women traders can carry out their businesses without harassment, intimidation, extortion, or sexual exploitation.

The authorities named in the petition had not publicly responded to the allegations as of the time of filing this report