Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Operatives of the Lagos State Task Force have intensified enforcement operations along major highways, arresting five individuals suspected of extorting motorists, in a move aimed at curbing the activities of the so‑called “Omotaku” — a local term for street urchins who harass and demand money from drivers.
The arrests took place along the Aboru section of the Abule‑Egba–Abeokuta Expressway and the Tafawa Balewa Square area, both known for heavy traffic and frequent reports of extortion. The suspects, identified as Alade Olarewaju (25), Oluwadamilare Alabi (38), Sunday Idowu (32), Rabiu Ibrahim (29), and Raji Yusuf (23), were accused of stopping motorists under the pretext of offering assistance or security, before demanding cash payments.
Authorities said the suspects had been under surveillance following multiple complaints from commuters about harassment and roadside extortion. Eyewitness reports indicated that the gang would often target commercial trucks and vehicles conveying goods, exploiting situations where motorists appeared vulnerable or had minor vehicle problems.
The Lagos State Task Force noted that the suspects had been operating in groups, sometimes surrounding vehicles to intimidate drivers into paying money. In some instances, they were alleged to have removed vehicle parts or created obstructions to coerce victims into compliance.
The March 23 operation was triggered after a motorist reported an attempted extortion via the Task Force hotline, allowing officers to intercept the gang before any financial loss occurred. The suspects were disarmed of makeshift tools used to intimidate road users and taken into custody for further investigation. They are expected to be arraigned on charges of extortion, intimidation, and obstruction of public highways.
The Task Force emphasised that Lagos State has a zero‑tolerance policy for any form of highway harassment or extortion, urging motorists to report suspicious activity and avoid engaging with individuals operating illegal checkpoints. Officials highlighted that the arrests were part of ongoing efforts to improve the safety of the state’s major transport corridors and maintain orderly traffic flow.
Local transport unions and commuter associations welcomed the arrests, noting that highway extortion has long been a source of frustration and financial burden for drivers, especially commercial operators. Community leaders stressed the importance of sustained enforcement alongside social programs aimed at addressing the underlying socioeconomic factors that drive vulnerable youths into such criminal activities.
The operation is part of a broader campaign by the Lagos State Task Force to ensure that expressways and other major routes remain safe, secure, and free from criminal interference. Authorities indicated that continued intelligence‑led patrols and community collaboration are central to preventing repeat incidents and protecting motorists across the metropolis.
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