Despite being dismissed years ago, 36 years old Adeyemo Olalekan, was still parading himself as an operative of the Lagos State Taskforce.
He would unlawfully seize commercial motorcycles and extort unsuspecting operators across the State.
Preliminary investigations revealed that his dismissal several years ago was over theft-related misconduct but he kept impersonating taskforce personnel, conducting illegal arrests and demanding huge sums of money from victims in exchange for the release of their motorcycles.
The suspect was arrested today following a tip-off received through the Agency’s official hotlines.
Operatives swiftly responded to the report and apprehended him while he was attempting to extort two commercial motorcycle operators.
By this time, he had already, unlawfully impounded their motorcycles.
One of the victims, who became suspicious of his activities, promptly contacted the taskforce and it was subsequently discovered that the suspect had long been dismissed from the Agency.
READ ALSO: Lagos State Taskforce Impounds 134 Commercial Motorcycles
He had reportedly evaded arrest on several previous occasions before finally being apprehended.
Speaking on the arrest, the Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, disclosed that the agency had been tracking several individuals involved in similar fraudulent activities.
He described the impostors as criminal elements who exploit the identity and authority of the taskforce to illegally apprehend motorcycle operators and negotiate financial settlements for the release of their motorcycles.
According to the suspect, his targets were usually brand-new Bajaj motorcycles or motorcycles with engine capacities below 200cc, particularly those operating on highways and other restricted routes.
He reportedly confessed that he would disguise himself as a genuine passenger, approach unsuspecting riders and pay their transport fares before suddenly revealing his identity as a supposed enforcement officer.
He would then threaten to have their motorcycles crushed unless they parted with money.
The suspect has since 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.
CSP Akerele reiterated the Agency’s determination to rid Lagos of individuals exploiting its identity to perpetrate criminal activities, stressing that there would be no hiding place for impostors, dismissed personnel or anyone engaging in acts capable of bringing the Agency into disrepute.
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In a related development, the suspect earlier arrested by the agency for impersonation and extortions in October -Yahaya Salami aka Adams was again mentioned in court, he pleaded not guilty to the count charges, and the case was also adjourned till 9th of December,2026.
He was remanded in Kirikiri correctional centre pending the time of meeting his bail conditions.
Meanwhile, the agency embarked on its campaign against operation of Okada on highways and other restricted areas in Festac first gate, Apple junction,Trade fair, Apapa, Coconut bus stop and Mile2 areas of the State, leading to the impoundment of 128 commercial motorcycles.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious conduct 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,” Akerele stated.
Cami Ezenwa is a Writer, Editor, Publicist, Biographer and Journalism Trainer
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