A 36-year-old former 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.
He 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.
According to Abdulraheem, preliminary investigations revealed that Olalekan was a former operative who had been dismissed from the agency several years ago over theft-related misconduct.
Despite his dismissal, the suspect allegedly continued to present himself as a serving Taskforce officer, unlawfully seizing motorcycles and demanding money from their owners before releasing them.
The agency said one of the victims became suspicious of his activities and contacted the Taskforce, which subsequently discovered that the suspect was no longer in its employment.
The Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP 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 individuals exploiting the identity and authority of the agency to apprehend motorcycle operators and demand money for the release of their motorcycles.
According to the statement, Olalekan allegedly targeted brand-new Bajaj motorcycles and motorcycles with engine capacities below 200cc, particularly those operating on highways and other restricted routes.
The suspect reportedly disguised himself as a passenger, paid motorcycle operators for their services and later identified himself as an enforcement officer.
He would then allegedly threaten to have their motorcycles crushed unless they paid him money.
Akerele said the agency would not tolerate individuals impersonating its personnel or using its name to extort residents.
He warned that anyone found engaging in such activities would be tracked down and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The case has been adjourned until December 16, 2026, for facts and sentencing.
In a related development, the Taskforce said another suspect, Yahaya Salami, popularly known as Adams, who was arrested in October over alleged impersonation and extortion, appeared in court again.
Salami reportedly pleaded not guilty to the charges, while his case was adjourned until December 9, 2026. He remains at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions.
Meanwhile, the Taskforce disclosed that 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 operation was part of efforts to enforce restrictions on commercial motorcycle activities on highways and other prohibited routes across Lagos State.
It urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities involving individuals claiming to be Taskforce officials through its official feedback channels.
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