Lagos authorities apprehend five suspects accused of running extortion rackets

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The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit (Taskforce) says it has apprehended five suspected hoodlums, popularly called ‘Omotaku’, over alleged extortion.

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The suspects were alleged to have extorted motorists on the Aboru and Abule-Egba axis of the Abeokuta Expressway.

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Chairman of the taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, by its spokesperson, Mr Gbadeyan Abdulraheem.

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Akerele said the suspects, aged between 23 and 38, were apprehended following a tip-off from the agency’s hotline.

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He stated that the arrest followed sustained surveillance and intelligence gathering.

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According to him, the group specialised in targeting motorists whose vehicles broke down on busy highways.

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“Investigations revealed that the suspects posed as roadside mechanics, offering assistance to stranded drivers before allegedly turning on them.

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“They intimidate victims and demand money, threatening to tamper with vehicle parts such as batteries, if their demands were not met, ” he said.

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The chairman said the suspects had long been on their watchlist, following repeated public complaints about their activities.

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Akerele described the suspects as daredevils who exploited vulnerable motorists for financial gain.

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“Their primary targets are trucks and vehicles conveying goods; They approached victims under the guise of providing mechanical assistance before resorting to threats and extortion.

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“Other members of the group played supporting roles, including blocking drivers from accessing their vehicles and removing side mirrors to create panic and force compliance, ” he said.

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He consequently urged residents to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies, emphasising that criminal activities would not be tolerated in the state.

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