Former Lagos Taskforce Officer Held Over Extortion Claims

A 36-year-old former officer of the Lagos State Taskforce, Adeyemo Olalekan, has been taken to the Kirikiri Correctional Centre. He faces charges of impersonating officials and extorting commercial motorcycle operators.

Olalekan appeared in court on three charges: impersonation, extortion, and actions likely to disturb the peace. Reports say he pleaded guilty to the charges.

The Director of Press and Public Affairs of the Taskforce, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, shared details in a statement on Sunday. He mentioned that the case would be heard again on December 16, 2026, for facts and sentencing.

Abdulraheem explained that Olalekan was arrested after the agency received a tip-off through their official hotlines. He was allegedly trying to extort two motorcycle operators whose bikes he had seized.

Investigations showed that Olalekan had been dismissed from the Taskforce years ago due to theft-related issues. Despite this, he allegedly continued to pretend to be a Taskforce officer, seizing motorcycles unlawfully and demanding money from owners to release them.

One of the victims got suspicious and reached out to the Taskforce. They then found out that Olalekan had been fired from the agency.

The agency chairman, Adetayo Akerele, stated that they are keeping an eye on people involved in such activities. They have received many complaints from the public about these impostors.

Akerele described these impostors as criminals who misuse the agency's name and authority to stop motorcycle operators and demand money for motorcycle release.

The statement noted that Olalekan focused on new Bajaj motorcycles and those with engine sizes below 200cc, especially the ones on highways and restricted routes.

He allegedly acted like a passenger, paid for rides, and later claimed to be an enforcement officer. He threatened to crush their motorcycles if they did not pay.

Akerele emphasized that the agency is committed to dismantling criminal groups that misuse their identity to extort 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.