Lagos Taskforce Arrests Five for Motorist Extortion

On Monday, the Lagos State Environment Special Offence Enforcement Unit, led by CSP Adetayo Akerel, announced the arrest of five suspects, commonly referred to as "Omotaku," for extortion activities targeting motorists on the Abeokuta Expressway. The suspects, aged between 23 and 38, were apprehended following a tip-off received through the agency's hotline.

Their arrest came after sustained surveillance and intelligence gathering, revealing that they posed as roadside mechanics to assist stranded drivers. However, they allegedly intimidated their victims, demanding money and threatening to tamper with vehicle parts if their demands were not met.

CSP Akerel noted that the suspects had been on a long watchlist due to repeated public complaints about their activities. He described them as "daredevils" exploiting vulnerable motorists for financial gain, primarily targeting truck vehicles.

The agency emphasized that such criminal activities would not be tolerated in the state and urged residents to report any suspicious activities.