Metro

Lagos Task Force Arrests 115 Street Beggars, Arraigns 26 Omotaku Members

Published

3 months ago

January 26, 2026

The Lagos State Task Force has arrested a total of 115 street beggars across various locations in the state as part of its ongoing clean-up enforcement operations aimed at eliminating criminal elements and street urchins popularly known as Omotaku.

The arrests were disclosed on Monday by the Commissioner for the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, through his official X handle.

Wahab revealed that 26 members of the notorious Omotaku group apprehended from different parts of Lagos within the last 24 hours were arraigned before a Magistrate’s Court in Oshodi. The suspects pleaded guilty to the charges and were sentenced to three months’ imprisonment in accordance with the law.

“This action reinforces the State Government’s firm stance against activities that threaten public safety, order, and the effective use of public spaces,” Wahab said, adding that enforcement efforts would continue across the state to ensure compliance with existing laws and maintain a safe and orderly environment.

Earlier, The Guardian reported that the enforcement operation covered several areas, including Fadeyi Bus Stop, Bourdillon, Lekki Phase 1, Ikoyi, Lekki–Ajah Expressway, Animashaun Bus Stop, Akowonjo Road, Egbeda, Costain, Funsho Williams Avenue, Victoria Island, Apongbon, Jibowu, Yaba Phase 1, Lagos Island, Palmgrove, Ojuelegba Road, Surulere, and other adjoining roads on both the Island and Mainland.

Authorities said the suspects were known for harassing motorists and extorting money, particularly when vehicles developed mechanical faults on the road.

The Chairman of the Lagos State Task Force, Chief Superintendent of Police Adetayo Akerele, stated that the agency had intensified efforts to suppress Omotaku activities across the Lagos metropolis to ensure public safety.

Akerele disclosed that the arrests were carried out on Thursday, January 8, and January 14, during sustained enforcement operations against street urchins who had previously constituted a nuisance on major roads. He added that a total of 281 suspects were arrested during the exercise and that all had been arraigned in court.

He expressed confidence that Omotaku activities would soon be eradicated across the state and urged Lagos residents, particularly motorists, to report incidents involving street urchins for swift response.
Akerele also warned individuals involved in criminal activities to desist, stressing that crime is not a career.

Metro

Ex-convict Arrested In Edo For Armed Robbery, Possession Of Firearm

Published

1 day ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) has arrested a 45-year-old ex-convict, Owen Osas, for alleged unlawful possession of firearms and suspected involvement in a robbery incident.

Osas was reportedly arrested with a cut-to-size single-barrel gun during a covert operation along Fishpond Road in Eyean, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.

The arrest reportedly comes barely a year after he was released from prison, where he had served time for illegal possession of firearms and other criminal offences.

Osas, who confessed to the latest crime, also admitted to being a member of the Eiye Confraternity.

READ ALSO:Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo
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Consequently, a victim of an alleged robbery incident, Reginia Izy, identified Osas as the person who robbed her a day before his arrest.
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The victim narrated that the suspect had approached her residence around 8 p.m., pretending to be familiar before carrying out the attack.
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‎The Deputy Commander Operations of ESSC, Richard Balogun, said the arrest was part of intensified efforts to rid Edo State of criminal elements.

READ ALSO:Edo South Senatorial Seat: Nothing Wrong Seeking Wike’s Support – Ogbeide-Ihama
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‎Balogun explained that operatives conduct both overt patrols and covert operations to track and apprehend suspects.
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He said, ‎“Our men are always on patrol. Some operate in plain clothes as part of covert strategies, while others are stationed at strategic locations.

“Osas, who is a former convict, was arrested with firearms and he also confessed to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity.”
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Metro

Gunmen Kidnap Businessman In Ibadan

Published

3 days ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a 60-year-old man in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The victim was kidnapped on Saturday while on his way to his residence.

The incident occurred at Jinarere, Alakia in Ibadan.

Public Relations Officer of the State Police command, Olayinka Ayanlade, when contacted, confirmed the incident.

Ayanlade in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Sunday, explained that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim.

Ayanlade said, “Preliminary information reveals that the victim, a 60-year-old male and building materials trader, was accosted while returning home along the Jinarere axis of Alakia Road by four masked armed men, who forcefully whisked him away in an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla vehicle”.

Metro

Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo

Published

3 days ago

May 3, 2026

Editor

A 30-year-old entrepreneur and CEO of Principle Takeout, Justice Abu Oshioke, has been killed by suspected kidnappers in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

He was reportedly attacked by the suspected kidnappers on Saturday while on his way to pick up an order made for his child’s dedication on Sunday morning.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers attempted to force him into a nearby bush in a kidnapping attempt. However, he reportedly resisted and tried to escape.

In the course of the struggle, the assailants opened fire, shooting him multiple times.

Concerned residents quickly rushed him to a nearby medical facility, but he was confirmed dead on arrival.

The deceased was said to have recently gotten married and welcomed a baby boy.

The tragic event has turned a joyous occasion into a moment of grief for the family.

The shocking development has left the Ekpoma community in deep sorrow, with many residents expressing outrage over the growing insecurity in the area.

Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem confirmed the incident and said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika has ordered a “full-scale investigation and intensified manhunt for those responsible.”

According to her, the Police, in collaboration with the military, local vigilantes, and hunters, are actively pursuing the perpetrators through coordinated operations.