Lagos Taskforce Arrests Five Suspected ‘Omotaku’ for Extortion in Abule-Egba, TBS
Operatives of the Lagos State Taskforce have arrested five suspected members of a notorious group of street urchins, popularly known as “Omotaku,” for allegedly extorting motorists across parts of the state.
The suspects were apprehended in coordinated operations around Aboru, Abule-Egba along the Abeokuta Expressway, and TBS, following credible intelligence received through the agency’s hotlines.
Those arrested were identified as Alade Olarewaju (25), Oluwadamilare Alabi (38), Sunday Idowu (32), Rabiu Ibrahim (29), and Raji Yusuf (23).
According to the Taskforce, the suspects specialised in targeting unsuspecting motorists whose vehicles broke down on major highways. Posing as roadside mechanics, they reportedly approached such drivers under the guise of offering assistance, only to intimidate and extort money from them.
Sources within the agency disclosed that the suspects were caught while attempting to carry out one of such operations, but were thwarted after the victim quickly alerted the Taskforce, leading to their arrest.
Chairman of the Agency, CSP Adetayo Akerele, confirmed the development, stating that the suspects had been on the Taskforce watchlist for a long time due to repeated complaints from residents and motorists, particularly within the Abule-Egba axis.
He described the group as “daredevil elements” who unlawfully “arrest” motorists and demand financial settlements before allowing them to regain access to their vehicles.
Confessions obtained from some of the suspects revealed that their primary targets were trucks and vehicles conveying goods. They admitted to disguising as legitimate mechanics before turning on their victims, threatening to remove vehicle batteries or cause further damage if their demands were not met.
Other members of the group reportedly played supporting roles, including blocking drivers from accessing their vehicles or removing side mirrors to instill fear and force compliance during negotiations.
The Taskforce confirmed that the five suspects have been arraigned in court on a three-count charge bordering on illegal collection of fees, obstruction of motorists, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
Akerele reiterated the agency’s commitment to ridding Lagos of criminal elements and urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
“There is no more room for criminality in Lagos. We encourage members of the public to continue to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or through our official feedback channels for prompt action,” he said.
The arrest is part of ongoing efforts by the Lagos State Taskforce to curb street-level criminal activities and enhance safety for road users across the state.
