Lagos Taskforce arrests two suspected Omotaku members for extorting a motorist on Oshodi–Apapa Expressway after a tip-off from residents

The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit has arrested two suspected members of the notorious street syndicate known as Omotaku along the Oshodi–Agunlejika–Apapa Expressway.

Also read: Lagos Taskforce rejects extortion claims, defends enforcement operations

The agency’s chairman, Mr Adetayo Akerele, confirmed the arrest in a statement signed by the Taskforce spokesperson, Mr Raheem Gbadeyan.

According to Akerele, the suspects were caught extorting money from a motorist whose vehicle had developed a mechanical fault on the busy highway.

The arrest followed a tip-off from a concerned civic group, ICU – To Soul a Soul.

“Acting on the intelligence, Taskforce operatives swung into action and caught the duo in the act,” Akerele said.

He explained that the suspects initially claimed to be a bystander and a revenue collector, but investigations revealed they were known Omotaku operatives who had previously evaded arrest and had long been on the agency’s watchlist.

“I receive several calls and online complaints from residents about these individuals, who operate deceptively and appear legitimate,” Akerele added.

One of the suspects reportedly confessed that their targets were vehicles conveying goods from Apapa Port that broke down along the expressway.

They allegedly posed as government revenue collectors, claiming to protect motorists from rival groups while threatening to impound vehicles.

The second suspect admitted to blocking drivers from accessing their vehicles to create fear and force negotiations.

Akerele assured residents that the suspects would be prosecuted according to the law and warned that the arrest should serve as a deterrent to others engaging in similar criminal activities under the guise of revenue enforcement.

“I urge the public to report suspicious activities through our feedback channels or the nearest police station. There is no room for criminality in Lagos,” he said.