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 along the Aboru and Abule-Egba axis of the Abeokuta Expressway, as well as the TBS area of the state.
The suspects were identified as Alade Olarewaju (25), Oluwadamilare Alabi (38), Sunday Idowu (32), Rabiu Ibrahim (29), and Raji Yusuf (23). They were accused of targeting unsuspecting motorists whose vehicles develop mechanical faults on major highways.
According to the agency, the suspects typically pose as roadside mechanics offering assistance to stranded drivers. However, they allegedly turn on the motorists by intimidating them and demanding money before allowing them to continue their journey.
The arrests followed a tip-off received through the agency’s hotlines. Acting swiftly on the information, operatives apprehended the suspects while they were allegedly attempting to extort a motorist in the Abule-Egba area.
Officials confirmed that the group had previously evaded arrest on several occasions. During interrogation, two of the suspects, Olarewaju and Alabi, admitted that they primarily targeted trucks and vehicles conveying goods. They said they approached victims under the guise of helping to fix broken-down vehicles before threatening to remove vehicle batteries if payments were not made.
Other members of the group reportedly admitted to playing supporting roles, including preventing drivers from accessing their vehicles and removing side mirrors to create fear and force compliance.
Speaking on the development, the Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, said the agency had been monitoring the activities of the group for some time due to repeated complaints from members of the public.
He described the suspects as part of a “daredevil syndicate” known for harassing motorists and demanding illegal payments in exchange for the release of vehicles.
The suspects have since been arraigned in court on a three-count charge, including illegal collection of fees from drivers of broken-down vehicles, wilful obstruction, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
Akerele urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the agency’s feedback channels.
“There is no more room for criminality in Lagos,” he said.
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