Operatives of the Lagos State Task Force have arrested five suspected street urchins, commonly referred to as “Omotaku,” for allegedly preying on stranded motorists across key parts of Lagos.
The spokesperson for the agency, Raheem Gbadeyan, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, noting that the arrests followed a series of complaints from affected road users.
The suspects were apprehended during coordinated operations along the Aboru and Abule-Egba corridor of the Abeokuta Expressway, as well as the Tafawa Balewa Square axis—areas long plagued by reports of harassment and extortion.
According to Gbadeyan, the suspects typically targeted motorists whose vehicles broke down, posing as helpers before coercing them into handing over money.
“They approach unsuspecting drivers under the pretext of offering assistance but end up intimidating them into parting with cash,” he said, adding that the suspects were arrested while attempting to extort a stranded motorist.
Those arrested were identified as Alade Olarewaju (25), Oluwadamilare Alabi (38), Sunday Idowu (32), Rabiu Ibrahim (29), and Raji Yusuf (23).
Further shedding light on the operation, Chairman of the Task Force, Adetayo Akerele, disclosed that the group had been under surveillance for some time due to repeated complaints from road users.
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“I have been on the trail of these individuals following numerous reports of harassment, especially around the Abule-Egba axis, where they demand money before allowing motorists to move their vehicles,” he said.
Investigations revealed that two of the suspects admitted to specifically targeting trucks and commercial vehicles transporting goods.
Their method reportedly involved pretending to fix faults before resorting to threats, including removing batteries or damaging vehicle parts to force compliance.
Authorities also disclosed that members of the group sometimes escalated situations by blocking access to vehicles or removing side mirrors to pressure victims into negotiations.
The suspects have since been arraigned on a three-count charge, including illegal collection of fees, obstruction, and conduct likely to breach public peace.
The Task Force has urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through official channels, reaffirming its commitment to sanitising the state’s highways and protecting road users from criminal elements.