The Agency has reaffirmed its commitment to stamping out illegal activities across the State.
Operatives of the Lagos State Taskforce have apprehended a group of notorious street urchins, popularly known as “Omotaku,” operating along the Aboru–Abule-Egba axis of the Abeokuta Expressway, as well as in the TBS area and other parts of the State.
The suspects — Alade Olarewaju (25), Oluwadamilare Alabi (38), Sunday Idowu (32), Rabiu Ibrahim (29), and Raji Yusuf (23) — were reportedly involved in targeting unsuspecting motorists whose vehicles broke down on major roads. Posing as helpful roadside mechanics, they allegedly extorted money from victims under false pretenses.
Their arrest followed a tip-off received through the Agency’s hotlines. Acting swiftly, taskforce operatives moved in and caught the suspects in the act. They had approached a stranded motorist under the guise of offering assistance but were intercepted before they could carry out their scheme. Authorities confirmed that the group had previously evaded arrest on multiple occasions.
Speaking on the development, the Chairman of the Agency, CSP Adetayo Akerele, revealed that the suspects had long been on the Agency’s watchlist due to repeated complaints from residents. He described them as a daring group known for intimidating motorists and demanding money in exchange for the release of their vehicles.
Two of the suspects, Olarewaju and Alabi, admitted that they mainly targeted trucks and vehicles transporting goods that broke down along highways. They explained that they would initially present themselves as genuine mechanics before turning on their victims — threatening to remove vehicle batteries unless paid off.
Other members of the group reportedly played supporting roles, such as preventing drivers from accessing their vehicles or tampering with parts like side mirrors to create panic and force compliance during negotiations.
The suspects have since been arraigned in court on a three-count charge bordering on illegal fee collection, obstruction of motorists, and conduct likely to breach public peace.
Akerele urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the Agency’s official channels, assuring that the government will not tolerate criminality in Lagos.
Thank you for visiting The Vestigator, don't forget to share!
