Lagos Task Force arrests 5 over alleged motorist extortion

Operatives of the Lagos State Task Force have arrested five individuals suspected of extorting money from motorists along the Aboru, Abule-Egba–Abeokuta Expressway and the Tafawa Balewa Square axis of Lagos State.

The agency’s spokesperson, Raheem Gbadeyan, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Monday, noting that the suspects were picked up for allegedly preying on drivers whose vehicles had broken down on the road.

According to him, the suspects were accused of approaching stranded motorists under the pretence of offering roadside assistance, only to demand illegal payments in the process.

The arrested individuals were identified as Alade Olarewaju (25), Oluwadamilare Alabi (38), Sunday Idowu (32), Rabiu Ibrahim (29), and Raji Yusuf (23).

Gbadeyan explained that the suspects were apprehended following a tip-off through the agency’s emergency hotlines. Operatives reportedly moved in while the group was allegedly attempting to assist a motorist with a faulty vehicle and trying to extort money from him before he alerted authorities.

He added that preliminary findings indicated that the suspects, also known as Omotaku, had repeatedly evaded arrest despite several complaints lodged by members of the public.

The Chairman of the Task Force, CSP Adetayo Akerele, said the suspects had been on the agency’s watchlist for some time due to consistent reports of harassment and extortion targeting motorists along major highways.

He said investigations revealed that two of the suspects admitted to focusing mainly on trucks and commercial vehicles that break down while transporting goods.

According to him, they reportedly posed as mechanics, offering quick fixes before allegedly resorting to intimidation, including threats to remove vehicle parts such as batteries to force payment from victims.

Akerele further disclosed that other members of the group allegedly created panic by blocking access to stranded vehicles or removing side mirrors in order to pressure drivers into negotiations.

He confirmed that the suspects have been arraigned in court on charges including unlawful collection of fees from motorists, obstruction of traffic, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.

The Task Force chairman urged residents to promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies or through official complaint channels for swift intervention.