The Lagos State Taskforce has arrested a 36-year-old former operative, identified as Adeyemo Olalekan, for allegedly impersonating an enforcement officer and extorting commercial motorcycle operators across the state.
The suspect was reportedly apprehended following a tip-off received through the agency’s official hotlines while allegedly attempting to extort two commercial motorcycle operators whose motorcycles he had unlawfully impounded.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Olalekan was formerly a Taskforce operative but was dismissed several years ago over alleged theft-related misconduct. Despite his dismissal, he allegedly continued to parade himself as a serving officer, carrying out illegal arrests and demanding money from victims in exchange for the release of their motorcycles.
According to the agency, one of the victims became suspicious of his activities and contacted the Taskforce, leading to the discovery that the suspect was no longer in its employment. He had reportedly evaded arrest on several previous occasions.
Speaking on the development, the Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, said the agency had been tracking individuals involved in similar fraudulent activities following repeated complaints from members of the public.
Akerele described the suspects as criminal elements exploiting the identity and authority of the agency to unlawfully apprehend motorcycle operators and demand financial settlements.
The suspect reportedly admitted targeting brand-new Bajaj motorcycles and motorcycles with engine capacities below 200cc, particularly those operating on highways and other restricted routes.
He allegedly disguised himself as a passenger, approached unsuspecting commercial motorcycle riders and paid their fares before suddenly identifying himself as an enforcement officer. He would then threaten to have their motorcycles crushed unless they paid him money.
The Taskforce said the suspect had been arraigned before a court on three counts bordering on impersonation, extortion and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.
He reportedly pleaded guilty to all three charges. The court adjourned the case until December 16, 2026, for the presentation of facts and sentencing, while ordering his remand at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre.
In a related development, another suspect, Yahaya Salami, popularly known as Adams, who was arrested in October over alleged impersonation and extortion, appeared in court again.
Salami pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. The case was adjourned until December 9, 2026, while he was remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Taskforce has impounded 128 commercial motorcycles during an enforcement operation targeting Okada riders operating on highways and other restricted routes.
The operation covered Festac First Gate, Apple Junction, Trade Fair, Apapa, Coconut Bus Stop and Mile 2 areas of the state.
Akerele reiterated the agency’s commitment to eliminating impersonation, extortion and other unlawful activities capable of undermining public confidence in the Taskforce.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and report anyone suspected of impersonating Taskforce personnel through the agency’s official feedback channels.
“There is no more room for official recklessness or criminality in Lagos. Anyone found impersonating our personnel or using the name of the Agency to extort members of the public will be tracked down and made to face the full weight of the law,” Akerele stated.
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