Quick Summary:
Task Force nabs five suspects for extorting motorists under guise of roadside assistance along major highways.
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 Tafawa Balewa Square areas of Lagos State.
The agency’s spokesperson, Raheem Gbadeyan, confirmed the arrests in a statement on Monday, explaining that the suspects were caught preying on stranded drivers under the pretence of offering roadside assistance before demanding illegal payments.
How the Suspects Operated
The arrested suspects were identified as Alade Olarewaju (25), Oluwadamilare Alabi (38), Sunday Idowu (32), Rabiu Ibrahim (29), and Raji Yusuf (23).
According to Gbadeyan, the suspects—popularly known as Omotaku—were apprehended following a tip-off through the agency’s emergency hotlines.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the group had repeatedly evaded arrest despite multiple complaints from the public.
Task Force: Suspects on Watchlist
The Chairman of the Task Force, CSP Adetayo Akerele, said the suspects had been on the agency’s watchlist due to consistent reports of harassment and extortion targeting motorists on major highways.
He disclosed that two of the suspects admitted to focusing mainly on trucks and commercial vehicles that broke down while transporting goods.
Other members of the group allegedly blocked access to stranded vehicles or removed side mirrors to pressure drivers into paying.
Court Arraignment and Public Advisory
Akerele confirmed that the suspects have been arraigned in court on charges including unlawful collection of fees, obstruction of traffic, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.
He urged residents to report suspicious activities to security agencies or through official complaint channels for swift intervention.
