The Lagos State Task force, led by its chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele, on Friday arraigned a fake officer, Joseph Unosolease, before the Special Offences Court, Oshodi.

Mr Akerele said the suspect was arrested after a complaint from the traditional ruler of Otumara, Apapa Road and Ojo-Oniyun community, Kehinde Kalejaiye, on Monday.

 The defendant was arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on impersonation, extortion, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.

 The charge stated that on August 23, 2025, at about 2:00 p.m. along Bolade, Oshodi, the defendant conducted himself in a disorderly manner.

 It alleged that he impersonated a task force officer at Bolade, Arena, Oshodi, an offence punishable under Section 78 of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015.

 The charge further accused him of unlawfully collecting N20,000 from Mr Kalejaiye, an offence also punishable under state criminal law.

 The suspect pleaded guilty to the three charges.

The Chief Magistrate F. Adefioye of the Special Offences Court adjourned further hearing and sentencing to September 16, 2025.

 During proceedings, the suspect claimed he was once a LASTMA officer before his contract was terminated in 2020.

 Unosolease further alleged that despite his disengagement, LASTMA still occasionally called him to render services.

 Mr Kalejaiye commended the task force for its swift response and prosecution of the suspect.

 The traditional ruler, however, urged the arrest of other members of the six-man syndicate and seizure of the towing vehicle used against him.

 He said the arrest and prosecution demonstrated the Lagos Government’s zero tolerance for criminality.

 Mr Kalejaiye stressed that Unosolease was not the only culprit, alleging the involvement of some police officers from the State Traffic Department, Ikeja.

He urged that the towing vehicle used for the extortion should be impounded, saying such would deter others from adopting such unlawful means of livelihood.

(NAN)