…Says allegations baseless, politically motivated
Olayinka Akinpelu
Akmode Transport Limited has denied allegations linking it to terrorism and genocide, describing a viral social media post by Honourable Adedamola Adetayo as “mischievous, misleading and unfounded”.
In a statement issued on Saturday, 11 April 2026, the company’s manager, Comrade Mustapha Tiamiyu, said the claims were aimed at maligning its reputation and frustrating its operations in Ogun State.
The rebuttal follows a widely circulated post by Adetayo, who alleged that the company’s name suggested links to terrorism and warned of a looming security threat tied to its activities and personnel.
Responding, Akmode said it is a duly registered limited liability company incorporated in 2007 with the Corporate Affairs Commission, with a mandate to operate transportation services, including commercial motorcycle operations.
The company identified its major shareholders as the late Oluwole Odesipe and Mr Tajudeen Abatan, adding that its headquarters is located in Ago-Ijesa, Abeokuta.
Akmode stated that it had faced operational challenges since inception but had prevailed through multiple legal disputes, securing favourable judgements in several cases against transport unions and government agencies.
Among the cases cited were suits against ACOMORAN and others in 2007, the Ogun State Parks and Garages Management Board in 2012, and the Ogun State Internal Revenue Service in 2018.
“Despite the unappealed judgements in our favour, rival unions in connivance with some disgruntled individuals have continued to intimidate, harass and obstruct our lawful operations,” the statement said.
The company accused Adetayo of failing to uphold fairness and balance, alleging that he relied solely on accounts from transport union sources without seeking clarification from its management.
It further alleged that its riders, particularly those of northern origin, had been subjected to repeated attacks by individuals linked to rival unions.
According to the statement, several incidents had been reported to police divisions in Abeokuta, including petitions to the command headquarters.
Akmode questioned the basis of criticism over its employment of riders of Hausa descent, describing the narrative as discriminatory.
“It is unclear if employing innocent individuals of Hausa descent is now a crime in Ogun State,” the company said, adding that its workers had been targeted for refusing to align with rival unions.
The firm also said it had maintained relations with the Arewa community in the state to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
It alleged that attempts to discredit it intensified because its riders resisted extortion and refused to join competing unions.
The company urged the public to disregard the viral claims, insisting that they were part of a coordinated effort to blackmail and disrepute the organisation.
The initial post by Adetayo had raised concerns over the emergence of a group of commercial motorcycle riders in Abeokuta wearing numbered jackets, suggesting they operated under a new union allegedly dominated by non-indigenous riders.
He linked the development to broader political and economic interests, warning of potential security risks and social tensions.
However, Akmode maintained that such claims lacked evidence and should not be used to incite fear or ethnic division.
