Lagos arrests dismissed operative for impersonation, extortion

…Taskforce impounds 128 motorcycles in fresh clampdown

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

The Lagos State Taskforce has arrested a 36-year-old former operative, Adeyemo Olalekan, for allegedly impersonating a serving official of the agency to seize commercial motorcycles and extort their operators.

The suspect, who was reportedly dismissed from the agency several years ago over theft-related misconduct, was arrested on Sunday following a tip-off received through the Taskforce’s official hotlines.

The agency said preliminary investigations revealed that Olalekan had allegedly continued to pose as a Taskforce operative despite his dismissal, conducting illegal arrests and demanding money from victims in exchange for the release of their motorcycles.

A victim, who became suspicious of his activities, reportedly contacted the agency and subsequently discovered that the suspect was no longer in its employment.

Speaking on the arrest, the Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Adetayo Akerele, said operatives apprehended the suspect while he was allegedly attempting to extort two commercial motorcycle operators whose motorcycles he had unlawfully impounded.

Akerele said the suspect had evaded arrest on several previous occasions before his eventual apprehension.

He added that the agency had been tracking individuals involved in similar fraudulent activities following repeated complaints from members of the public.

The chairman described the impostors as criminal elements who exploit the identity and authority of the Taskforce to unlawfully apprehend motorcycle operators and demand money for the release of their motorcycles.

According to the agency, the suspect allegedly targeted brand-new Bajaj motorcycles and motorcycles with engine capacities below 200cc, particularly those operating on highways and other restricted routes.

He reportedly confessed to disguising himself as a genuine passenger, approaching unsuspecting motorcycle riders and paying their fares before suddenly identifying himself as an enforcement officer.

The suspect would then allegedly threaten to have their motorcycles crushed unless they paid him money.

He has since been arraigned before a court on three counts bordering on impersonation, extortion and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.

The agency said he pleaded guilty to all three charges, while the case was adjourned until December 16, 2026, for facts and sentencing. He was subsequently remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre.

Akerele reiterated the agency’s determination to rid Lagos of individuals exploiting its identity to engage in criminal activities, warning that dismissed personnel and other impostors would be made to face the law.

In a related development, another suspect previously arrested by the agency in October over alleged impersonation and extortion, Yahaya Salami, also known as Adams, appeared in court.

The agency said Salami pleaded not guilty to the charges against him, while the case was adjourned until December 9, 2026. He was remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions.

Meanwhile, the Taskforce said it had impounded 128 commercial motorcycles during a fresh enforcement operation against illegal Okada activities on highways and other restricted routes.

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

Akerele urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly 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 vowed.