A 36-year-old former operative of the Lagos State Taskforce, Adeyemo Olalekan, has been remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre over alleged impersonation and extortion of commercial motorcycle operators.
Olalekan was arraigned on three counts bordering on impersonation, extortion and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace, to which he reportedly pleaded guilty.
The Director of Press and Public Affairs of the Taskforce, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, saying the case had been adjourned until December 16, 2026, for facts and sentencing.
According to him, the suspect was arrested following a tip-off received through the agency’s official hotlines while allegedly attempting to extort two commercial motorcycle operators whose motorcycles he had impounded.
Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed that Olalekan was dismissed from the agency several years ago over theft-related misconduct but continued to pose as a Taskforce operative.
He allegedly seized motorcycles unlawfully and demanded money from their owners before releasing them.
The agency said one of the victims became suspicious and contacted its officials, who subsequently discovered that the suspect was no longer in its employment.
The Taskforce Chairman, Adetayo Akerele, said the agency had been monitoring individuals exploiting its identity to extort members of the public following repeated complaints.
He explained that the impostors typically targeted brand-new Bajaj motorcycles and motorcycles with engine capacities below 200cc, particularly those operating on highways and restricted routes.
According to the statement, Olalekan allegedly disguised himself as a passenger, paid motorcycle operators their fares and subsequently identified himself as an enforcement officer, threatening to have their motorcycles crushed unless they paid him.
Akerele warned that the agency would not tolerate individuals using its name and authority to exploit residents, insisting that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
In a related development, another suspect, Yahaya Salami, also known as Adams, who was arrested in October over alleged impersonation and extortion, appeared in court again.
Abdulraheem said Salami pleaded not guilty to the charges, while the case was adjourned until December 9, 2026. He remains at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions.
Meanwhile, the Taskforce disclosed that it impounded 128 commercial motorcycles during enforcement operations at Festac First Gate, Apple Junction, Trade Fair, Apapa, Coconut Bus Stop and Mile 2.
The agency said the operations were part of its efforts to curb commercial motorcycle activities on highways and other restricted routes across Lagos.
It urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious individuals posing as Taskforce officials through its official feedback channels.