Operatives of the Lagos State Taskforce have apprehended five suspected members of a notorious group of street urchins, popularly known as “Omotaku,” along the Aboru–Abule-Egba axis of Lagos.
In a statement released by the agency’s spokesperson, Gbadeeyan Abdulraheem, the suspects were arrested following a tip-off received through the Taskforce’s hotline. The agency swiftly deployed its operatives, leading to the arrest of the individuals who allegedly specialize in extorting motorists.
The suspects—Alade Olarewaju (25), Oluwadamilare Alabi (38), Sunday Idowu (32), Rabiu Ibrahim (29), and Raji Yusuf (23)—are accused of targeting motorists whose vehicles break down on major roads, including the Abeokuta Expressway and TBS areas. Posing as roadside mechanics, they reportedly approach victims under the guise of offering assistance, only to intimidate and extort them.
According to the Taskforce, the suspects often focus on trucks and vehicles transporting goods. Once engaged, they allegedly threaten drivers, obstruct access to their vehicles, and in some cases remove parts such as side mirrors or batteries to create panic and force payments.
Chairman of the Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, disclosed that the agency had been tracking the group for some time due to multiple complaints from the public. He noted that their activities had caused significant distress to motorists in the affected areas.
The five suspects have since been arraigned in court on a three-count charge bordering on illegal collection of fees, obstruction, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
Akerele urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies, reaffirming the government’s commitment to ridding Lagos of criminal elements.