…Impounds 128 Motorcycles
Weeks after arresting another impersonator, the Lagos State Taskforce has arrested a dismissed former operative for allegedly posing as an agency official and extorting commercial motorcycle operators in the state.
The suspect, Olalekan Adeyemo, 36, was arrested following a tip-off through the agency’s official hotlines while allegedly attempting to extort two commercial motorcycle operators whose motorcycles he had seized.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Director of Press and Public Affairs of the Lagos State Taskforce, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, said preliminary investigations revealed that Adeyemo was dismissed from the agency several years ago over theft-related misconduct but continued to impersonate its personnel.
Abdulraheem said the suspect allegedly conducted illegal arrests and demanded money from motorcycle operators in exchange for the release of their motorcycles.
He said one of the victims became suspicious and contacted the Taskforce, leading to the discovery that the suspect was no longer in the agency’s employment.
According to the statement, the suspect usually targeted brand-new Bajaj motorcycles and motorcycles with engine capacities below 200cc, particularly those operating on highways and other restricted routes.
He allegedly posed as a passenger, paid the transport fare and later identified himself as an enforcement officer before threatening to have the motorcycles crushed unless the riders paid him.
Abdulraheem said the suspect had 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.
He added that the case had been adjourned until December 16, 2026, for facts and sentencing, while the defendant was remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre.
The Chairman of the Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, warned against impersonating agency officials or using the agency’s name to extort members of the public.
“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,” Akerele said.
In a related development, another suspect, Yahaya Salami, also known as Adams, who was arrested in October over alleged impersonation and extortion, appeared in court again. He pleaded not guilty to the charges, and 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 impounded 128 commercial motorcycles during enforcement operations against their use on highways and other restricted routes in Festac First Gate, Apple Junction, Trade Fair, Apapa, Coconut Bus Stop and Mile 2.
The agency urged residents to report suspicious activities by anyone claiming to be a Taskforce operative through its official feedback channels.
