Lagos Taskforce Launches Crackdown On ‘Omotaku’ Street Urchins, Arrests Suspects In Lekki
OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos
The Lagos State Taskforce has intensified its enforcement operations against street urchins popularly known as “Omotaku,” arresting several suspects during a raid at Marwa Bus Stop in the Lekki area of the state.
The arrests followed an incident involving a truck driver whose vehicle broke down at the location.
According to the Taskforce, the driver was allegedly confronted by the suspects, who attempted to extort him and threatened to remove parts of his vehicle, including the battery, side mirrors, and jack, while also demanding his phone and money.
Operatives of the agency, acting on intelligence and while on routine patrol, swiftly intervened and apprehended the suspects at the scene.
The Taskforce noted that the Marwa corridor had been under surveillance following repeated complaints from motorists and residents over cases of theft, harassment, and extortion linked to the group.
The operation is part of the second phase of a broader enforcement drive, which began earlier in the week under the coordination of the agency’s Chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele, as part of efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.
Authorities said normalcy has since been restored in the area, adding that all arrested suspects will be charged to court in accordance with the Lagos State Special Offences Law.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to a zero-tolerance policy on crime, particularly activities associated with street urchins and other criminal elements across the state.
OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos
The Lagos State Taskforce has intensified its enforcement operations against street urchins popularly known as “Omotaku,” arresting several suspects during a raid at Marwa Bus Stop in the Lekki area of the state.
The arrests followed an incident involving a truck driver whose vehicle broke down at the location.
According to the Taskforce, the driver was allegedly confronted by the suspects, who attempted to extort him and threatened to remove parts of his vehicle, including the battery, side mirrors, and jack, while also demanding his phone and money.
Operatives of the agency, acting on intelligence and while on routine patrol, swiftly intervened and apprehended the suspects at the scene.
The Taskforce noted that the Marwa corridor had been under surveillance following repeated complaints from motorists and residents over cases of theft, harassment, and extortion linked to the group.
The operation is part of the second phase of a broader enforcement drive, which began earlier in the week under the coordination of the agency’s Chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele, as part of efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.
Authorities said normalcy has since been restored in the area, adding that all arrested suspects will be charged to court in accordance with the Lagos State Special Offences Law.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to a zero-tolerance policy on crime, particularly activities associated with street urchins and other criminal elements across the state.
