Dismissed Lagos task force operative remanded over alleged extortion

A 36-year-old dismissed operative of the Lagos State Taskforce, Adeyemo Olalekan, has been remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre over alleged impersonation and extortion of commercial motorcycle operators.

Olalekan was arraigned on three counts bordering on impersonation, extortion and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace. He reportedly pleaded guilty to the charges.

The Director of Press and Public Affairs of the Taskforce, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, adding that the case had been adjourned until December 16, 2026, for facts and sentencing.

Abdulraheem said the suspect was arrested following a tip-off received through the agency’s official hotlines while allegedly attempting to extort two commercial motorcycle operators whose motorcycles he had impounded.

He said preliminary investigations revealed that Olalekan was a former operative who had been dismissed from the agency several years ago over theft-related misconduct.

He noted that despite his dismissal, the suspect allegedly continued to impersonate Taskforce personnel, unlawfully seize motorcycles and demand money from their owners in exchange for their release.

According to the statement, one of the victims became suspicious of the suspect’s activities and contacted the agency, which subsequently discovered that he had been dismissed.

He added that the agency chairman, Adetayo Akerele, said the agency had been tracking individuals involved in similar activities following repeated complaints from members of the public.

He described the impostors as criminal elements exploiting the identity and authority of the agency to apprehend motorcycle operators and demand money for the release of their motorcycles.

The statement added that 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 added that he allegedly disguised himself as a passenger, paid the riders’ fares and later identified himself as an enforcement officer, threatening to have their motorcycles crushed unless they paid him.

Akerele said the agency was determined to dismantle criminal networks exploiting its identity 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,” he said.

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

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

Abdulraheem said Salami pleaded not guilty to the charges and that the case was adjourned until December 9, 2026. He added that the defendant 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 in Festac First Gate, Apple Junction, Trade Fair, Apapa, Coconut Bus Stop and Mile 2.

The agency said the operations were part of its campaign against commercial motorcycle activities on highways and other restricted routes in the state.

It urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities by anyone claiming to be a Taskforce operative through its official feedback channels.

Abdulraheem said Salami pleaded not guilty to the charges and that the case was adjourned until December 9, 2026.

He added that the defendant 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 in Festac First Gate, Apple Junction, Trade Fair, Apapa, Coconut Bus Stop and Mile 2.

The agency said the operations were part of its campaign against commercial motorcycle activities on highways and other restricted routes in the state.

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