The Lagos State Taskforce has arrested another suspected impostor, 36-year-old Adeyemo Olalekan, who allegedly posed as a Taskforce operative to unlawfully seize commercial motorcycles and extort unsuspecting operators across the State.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect was a former operative of the Agency who was dismissed from service several years ago over theft-related misconduct. Despite his dismissal, he allegedly continued to impersonate Taskforce personnel, carrying out illegal arrests and demanding large sums of money from victims in exchange for the release of their motorcycles.
He was arrested today following a tip-off received through the Agency’s official hotlines. Operatives responded swiftly to the report and apprehended him while he was attempting to extort two commercial motorcycle operators whose motorcycles he had unlawfully impounded. One of the victims, who grew suspicious of his activities, contacted the Taskforce and subsequently discovered that the suspect had long been dismissed from the Agency. He had reportedly evaded arrest on several previous occasions.
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 following repeated complaints from members of the public. 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 himself 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.
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.
“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.
In a related development, Yahaya Salami, also known as Adams, who was earlier arrested by the Agency in October for impersonation and extortion, was again mentioned in court. 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 Agency carried out a campaign against the operation of commercial motorcycles (Okada) on highways and other restricted areas in Festac First Gate, Apple Junction, Trade Fair, Apapa, Coconut bus stop and Mile 2 areas of the State, leading to the impoundment of 128 commercial motorcycles.
The Chairman 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.
#lagostaskforce
