Lagos Taskforce arrests two suspected Omotaku members on Oshodi-Apapa Expressway
Lagos Taskforce Arrests Suspected Gang Members for Extortion
LAGOS, Nigeria — The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit has apprehended two individuals believed to be associated with the notorious street gang known as Omotaku. The arrests occurred along the Oshodi-Agunlejika-Apapa Expressway.
The agency’s chairman, Mr. Adetayo Akerele, confirmed the arrests on Tuesday through a statement released by spokesperson Mr. Raheem Gbadeyan. Akerele indicated that the suspects were taken into custody while allegedly extorting money from a motorist whose vehicle had broken down.
According to Akerele, the operation followed actionable intelligence from the civic group ICU – To Soul a Soul. “Based on the information received, our operatives immediately moved to the location and apprehended the suspects as they were extorting the motorist,” he said.
During questioning, the suspects initially attempted to mislead law enforcement by asserting they were bystanders and revenue officials. However, preliminary investigations revealed they were known members of the Omotaku gang, which has been under surveillance by the agency.
“These individuals have been on our watchlist for some time, having evaded arrest despite numerous complaints from the public,” Akerele stated. He emphasized that community reports and online complaints had highlighted the gang’s activities, which often involved disguising themselves as legitimate operatives.
Akerele noted that one suspect confessed to targeting trucks and vehicles leaving Apapa Port that experienced malfunctions along the expressway. The gang allegedly pretends to be government revenue collectors, offering protection from rival groups while intimidating motorists with threats of vehicle seizure.
Further allegations surfaced from the second suspect, who admitted to deliberately obstructing drivers to instill fear and force negotiations.
Akerele assured residents that the suspects would face prosecution. “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 remarked.
He encouraged the public to continue reporting suspicious behavior through official agency channels or local police stations. The suspects remain in custody and are expected to be charged in court.
