Lagos Taskforce Arrests Dismissed Operative For Impersonation, Extortion

The Lagos State Taskforce has arrested a dismissed former operative, identified as 36-year-old Adeyemo Olalekan, for allegedly impersonating serving officials of the agency and extorting commercial motorcycle operators across the state.

The suspect was reportedly arrested following a tip-off through the agency’s official hotlines while allegedly attempting to extort two Okada riders whose motorcycles he had unlawfully seized.

According to the Taskforce, preliminary investigations revealed that Olalekan was dismissed from the agency several years ago over theft-related misconduct but continued to parade himself as an operative, carrying out illegal arrests and demanding money from victims in exchange for the release of their motorcycles.

The Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, said the agency had been tracking individuals involved in similar fraudulent activities following repeated complaints from members of the public.

Akerele described the impostors as criminal elements exploiting the identity and authority of the agency to unlawfully apprehend motorcycle operators and extort money from them.

The suspect reportedly confessed to targeting brand-new Bajaj motorcycles and motorcycles with engine capacities below 200cc, particularly those operating on highways and other restricted routes.

He allegedly disguised himself as a passenger, approached unsuspecting riders and paid their fares before suddenly identifying himself as an enforcement officer. He would then threaten to have their motorcycles crushed unless they paid him money.

The suspect has been arraigned before a court on three counts bordering on impersonation, extortion and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace. He pleaded guilty to all three charges.

The case was adjourned until December 16, 2026, for facts and sentencing, while the defendant was remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre.

In a related development, another suspect, Yahaya Salami, popularly known as Adams, who was arrested in October over alleged impersonation and extortion, also appeared in court. He pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the case was adjourned until December 9, 2026. He was equally remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions.

Meanwhile, the Taskforce disclosed that it impounded 128 commercial motorcycles during two enforcement operations targeting Okada riders operating on highways and other restricted routes.

The operations covered Festac First Gate, Apple Junction, Trade Fair, Apapa, Coconut Bus Stop and Mile 2 areas of the state.

Akerele reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks exploiting its identity, warning that dismissed personnel and other individuals involved in impersonation and extortion would be tracked down and prosecuted.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities by anyone claiming to be a Taskforce operative through the agency’s official feedback channels.

“There is no more room for official recklessness or criminality in Lagos. Anyone found impersonating our personnel or using the name of the Agency to extort members of the public will be tracked down and made to face the full weight of the law,” he stated.