A 35-year-old man, Idowu Adesina, has been arrested by operatives of the Lagos State Taskforce for impersonating an official of the agency and extorting unsuspecting motorists along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway.
The suspect, whose address is listed as No. 13 Ijegun Road, Ikotun, was apprehended at the Cele Bus Stop area by plain-clothed officers of the Taskforce during a routine patrol.
He was reportedly caught in the act, harassing motorists and demanding bribes under the false pretence of enforcing traffic violations, including driving against traffic and other related offences.
According to Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, Director of Public Affairs, Lagos State Taskforce, Adesina is believed to be part of a larger criminal syndicate operating along the busy expressway, notorious for intimidating road users and tarnishing the image of the legitimate Taskforce.
Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, who confirmed the arrest, said the agency will intensify efforts to root out impersonators and restore public confidence in the Taskforce.
He issued a stern warning to those involved in impersonation or illegal traffic enforcement to desist or be ready to face the full weight of the law.
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“In this dispensation, the Lagos State Taskforce is committed to making the metropolis uninhabitable for environmental and criminally minded detractors. We are determined to restore sanity and public trust by ridding the highways of fake officials and individuals that are out to cause pain to motorists,” Akerele said.
He further urged residents to support the agency’s campaign against criminality through the “See something, say something” initiative by reporting suspicious activity.
Following his arrest, Adesina was arraigned before a court where he pleaded guilty to the charges.
The court ordered that he be remanded to a correctional facility pending further legal proceedings. The case has been adjourned to August 27, 2025.
