Lagos Taskforce Arrests Two Suspected Omotaku Gang Members
The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit has arrested two suspected members of the notorious street gang known as Omotaku along the Oshodi–Agunlejika–Apapa Expressway.
The Chairman of the agency, Mr Adetayo Akerele, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Tuesday through the Taskforce spokesperson, Mr Raheem Gbadeyan.
According to Akerele, the suspects were apprehended while allegedly extorting money from a motorist whose vehicle had broken down on the busy highway.
He said the operation followed credible intelligence provided by a civic group, ICU – To Soul a Soul.
“Based on the information received, our operatives immediately moved to the location and arrested the suspects in the process of extorting the motorist,” Akerele stated.
The suspects reportedly attempted to mislead officers by claiming they were a bystander and a government revenue official. However, preliminary investigations allegedly identified them as known members of the Omotaku syndicate.
Akerele disclosed that the duo had been on the agency’s watchlist for some time, having allegedly evaded arrest despite repeated complaints from members of the public.
“I have personally received several reports and online complaints about these individuals, who disguise themselves as legitimate operatives while carrying out criminal activities,” he said.
According to the Taskforce chairman, one of the suspects confessed that the gang targets trucks and vehicles transporting goods from Apapa Port whenever they break down along the expressway.
He said the suspects allegedly pose as revenue collectors, claiming to offer protection from rival groups before intimidating motorists with threats of vehicle seizure.
The second suspect also allegedly admitted to deliberately blocking drivers from accessing their vehicles to instill fear and pressure them into paying.
Akerele assured residents that the suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the law, reiterating the agency’s commitment to keeping Lagos roads safe.
“This arrest should serve as a strong warning to criminal elements who hide under the guise of revenue enforcement. Lagos will not tolerate such activities,” he added.
The suspects are currently in custody and are expected to be charged to court.
