The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit says it has apprehended five suspected hoodlums, popularly known as ‘Omotaku’, over allegations of extortion.

The suspects were alleged to have extorted motorists on the Aboru and Abule-Egba axis of the Abeokuta Expressway.

Chairman of the taskforce, Adetayo Akerele, disclosed this in a statement on Monday by its spokesperson, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem.

Mr Akerele said the suspects, aged 23 to 38, were apprehended following a tip-off from the agency’s hotline.

He stated that the arrest followed sustained surveillance and intelligence gathering.

According to him, the group specialised in targeting motorists whose vehicles broke down on busy highways.

“Investigations revealed that the suspects posed as roadside mechanics, offering assistance to stranded drivers before allegedly turning on them. They intimidate victims and demand money, threatening to tamper with vehicle parts such as batteries if their demands are not met,” he said.

The chairman said the suspects had long been on their watchlist following repeated public complaints about their activities.

Mr Akerele described the suspects as daredevils who exploited vulnerable motorists for financial gain.

“Their primary targets are trucks and vehicles conveying goods; they approach victims under the guise of providing mechanical assistance before resorting to threats and extortion.

“Other members of the group played supporting roles, including blocking drivers from accessing their vehicles and removing side mirrors to create panic and force compliance,” he said.

He consequently urged residents to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies, emphasising that criminal activity would not be tolerated in the state.

(NAN)