28 miscreants terrorising Lagos motorists to face trial

The Lagos State Taskforce on Tuesday said it would prosecute the 28 miscreants arrested in some parts of the state for terrorising and extorting motorists.

The agency’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, in a statement on Tuesday, noted that the miscreants are in the habit of extorting motorists whose vehicles break down on the highway under the guise of collecting ‘owo omotaku’, literally meaning “breakdown money.”

He said a raid on areas such as Mile 2, Alaba Rago, FESTAC, Apapa, and the surrounding environments led to the arrest of the miscreants.

He continued, “The arrested group, popularly known as ‘Omotaku,’ has long been a menace to innocent motorists, forcing them to part with large sums of money when their vehicles break down on the highway.”
Reacting to the arrest, the Chairman of the agency, CSP Adetayo Akerele, noted that the operation was a step in the right direction that would ensure relief for motorists and residents who have undergone much trauma as a result of the activities of the group.

Akerele, who spoke through Gbadeyan, noted that the miscreants would be charged in court while stressing the agency’s commitment to mopping up others engaging in such acts.

He said, “The Lagos State Taskforce remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents, and we will continue in our efforts to rid the metropolis of those who prey on law-abiding citizens.
“We will not rest until every member of the Omotaku gang is arrested and made to answer for their crimes. All 28 suspects apprehended will be charged to court immediately.”

The spokesperson, however, urged the public to report suspicious activities in their areas through its “See Something, Say Something” initiative, stressing that a “collaboration between the public and the agency remains key to keeping the city safe, serene, and habitable.”

PUNCH Metro reported on Tuesday that the task force seized 82 motorcycles during its recent operations in the Berger, Mile 2 Oke, and Orile areas of the state.

The seizure followed the ban on commercial motorcycle operations on major highways across the state.

Gbadeyan had said the recent move was part of the agency’s commitment to ensuring Lagos roads remained safe and motorable.

He also stated that its chairman emphasised that both riders and passengers found violating the ban would face prosecution.