Operatives of the Lagos State Taskforce have arrested two suspected members of the notorious Omotaku gang for allegedly extorting motorists along the Oshodi–Agunlejika–Apapa Expressway.

The suspects, identified as Abiodun Ajasa and Junaid Folami, were apprehended while allegedly demanding money from a motorist whose vehicle had broken down on the highway.

It was learnt from the chairman of the agency, Mr Adetayo Akerele, in a statement signed by the spokesperson, Raheem Gbadeyan, made available to journalists on Tuesday in Lagos.

Akerele described Omotaku as a gang of street operatives who prey on motorists with faulty vehicles, especially at night, dispossessing them of cash and valuables. He said the arrest followed a tip-off from a concerned group, ICU – To Soul a Soul.

“Acting on the intelligence received, Taskforce operatives swung into action and caught the duo in the act,” Akerele said.

According to him, the suspects initially claimed to be a bystander and a revenue collector, but investigations revealed them to be known Omotaku operatives who had evaded arrest multiple times.

“I receive several calls and online complaints from residents about these individuals, who operate deceptively and appear legitimate,” he added, noting that the suspects had long been on the agency’s watchlist.

Akerele disclosed that one of the suspects confessed that their usual targets were vehicles conveying goods from Apapa Port. “During interrogation, Abiodun Ajasa revealed that they approach motorists under the guise of revenue collectors, claiming to protect them from rival Omotaku groups,” he said.

The suspect also admitted threatening motorists with vehicle impoundment unless they paid money, while the second suspect said his role was to prevent drivers from accessing their vehicles to instil fear and force compliance.

Akerele assured the public that the suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the law and said the arrest should serve as a warning to criminal elements posing as government revenue enforcers.

“I urge members of the public to continue reporting suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the agency’s feedback channels for prompt response. There is no room for criminality in Lagos,” he said. (The PUNCH)