‘Omotaku’ gang arrested by Lagos Taskforce for extorting drivers

The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit, popularly known as ‘taskforce’, has captured five individuals suspected of being part of a notorious gang of hoodlums.

The group, often referred to as ‘Omotaku,’ was reportedly caught while allegedly extorting drivers along the busy Aboru and Abule-Egba stretch of the Abeokuta Expressway.

The agency confirmed the operation on Monday, March 23, 2026, in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Mr Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, on behalf of the Taskforce Chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele.

The suspects, whose ages range from 23 to 38, were picked up following a tip-off received through the agency’s dedicated hotline. Akerele noted that the successful arrest was the result of a long period of monitoring and gathering information on the group’s movements.

According to him, the gang had a specific way of operating: they would hunt for motorists who were having mechanical trouble on the highway.

“Investigations revealed that the suspects posed as roadside mechanics, offering assistance to stranded drivers before allegedly turning on them,” Akerele explained

“They intimidate victims and demand money, threatening to tamper with vehicle parts such as batteries, if their demands were not met.”

He further disclosed that these suspects had been on their watchlist for quite some time due to a flood of complaints from the public regarding their aggressive behavior.

The ‘Omotaku’ suspects reportedly focused most of their energy on commercial drivers, particularly those carrying heavy loads.

“Their primary targets are trucks and vehicles conveying goods; They approached victims under the guise of providing mechanical assistance before resorting to threats and extortion,” Akerele stated.

The investigation also showed that the group worked as a coordinated team. While some focused on the driver, others acted as backup to ensure the victim could not escape or call for help.

“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 added.

Following the arrests, Akerele issued a warning to criminal elements in the state, making it clear that such activities would no longer be allowed.

He encouraged residents to remain alert and continue to use the available channels to report any shady characters they encounter on the road.

‘Omotaku’ gang arrested by Lagos Taskforce for extorting drivers