Lagos Taskforce Arrests Five Alleged 'Omotaku' for Extorting Drivers

The Lagos State Taskforce has taken into custody five individuals suspected to be part of the street group known as 'Omotaku.' These individuals were reportedly caught extorting money from motorists along the Aboru–Abule-Egba corridor of the Abeokuta Expressway.

The apprehended suspects, identified as Alade Olarewaju (25), Oluwadamilare Alabi (38), Sunday Idowu (32), Rabiu Ibrahim (29), and Raji Yusuf (23), were detained on Monday, March 23, following a report received via the agency’s hotline.

According to the Taskforce, this group has been known to target drivers whose vehicles suffer mechanical failures on the highway. They allegedly pretended to offer assistance before demanding money from their victims.

The arrests occurred after a motorist, who was about to fall victim to their scheme, notified the agency. The Taskforce swiftly responded and captured the suspects, who had previously evaded capture on numerous occasions.

CSP Adetayo Akerele, Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, confirmed the arrests during a briefing with the media, stating that the agency had been monitoring the group closely after receiving multiple complaints regarding their conduct in the Abule-Egba vicinity.

“These individuals intimidate motorists, demanding payment under the pretense of enforcing imaginary regulations. Their actions will not be tolerated,” Akerele asserted.

He encouraged community members to report any suspicious behavior to the nearest police station or use the Taskforce’s feedback channels, emphasizing that criminal activities have no place in Lagos.

Some of the arrested individuals admitted to their wrongdoing, stating that they specifically targeted vehicles transporting goods and trucks that had broken down on the roads.

“We approach them pretending to assist, then we intimidate and threaten to remove their vehicle batteries until they comply with our demands,” one suspect admitted.

Other confessions revealed that they would block drivers from reaching their vehicles or disengage side mirrors to instill fear and facilitate compliance.

According to Akerele, the suspects have since been charged in court with three counts related to illegal fee collection, obstructing motorists, and actions likely to disturb public peace.