The Lagos State Taskforce has apprehended five suspected street extortionists, known locally as “Omotaku,” for allegedly targeting motorists along the Aboru–Abule-Egba stretch of the Abeokuta Expressway.
The suspects Alade Olarewaju, 25; Oluwadamilare Alabi, 38; Sunday Idowu, 32; Rabiu Ibrahim, 29; and Raji Yusuf, 23 — were arrested on Monday following a tip-off to the agency’s hotline.
The taskforce said the group typically preyed on motorists whose vehicles developed mechanical issues, posing as helpers before demanding money and intimidating their victims.
A motorist who was about to be extorted alerted authorities, prompting a swift response that led to the suspects’ capture. According to the taskforce, the group had previously evaded arrest despite several complaints.
CSP Adetayo Akerele, chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, stated that the agency had been monitoring the suspects due to recurring public complaints. “These individuals harass motorists and demand money under the guise of enforcing nonexistent regulations. Their activities will not be tolerated,” he said, urging residents to report suspicious behavior via police stations or the agency’s feedback channels.
During interrogation, some suspects admitted targeting trucks and vehicles carrying goods, threatening to remove batteries or side mirrors to coerce payments. “We approach them pretending to help, then intimidate them until they pay,” one confessed.
The suspects have been arraigned in court on three charges: illegal collection of fees, obstruction of motorists, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
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