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A 63-year-old retiree, Olusola Ajose, has accused some taskforce officials in Alausa, Ikeja Local Government Area, Lagos State of extortion.
The retiree from Lagos State said the men extorted N102,000 from him on On June 26, 2025, while on his way from Badagry.
Ajose told our correspondent that while he was on his way to a family court matter at the Yaba High Court, he exited the highway at Iganmu and crossed the railway line to join Herbert Macaulay Way, when eight men in plain clothes, claiming to be task force officials, suddenly surrounded his car, shouting “one way.”
He said, “I came from Badagry to attend a family Court matter in Yaba High Court. I exited the Highway at Iganmu, passed in front of the National Theatre to Custain going through the National Stadium to exit by Moshalasi. I crossed the rail line to join Herbert Macaulay Way. It was around 6.15am, at about 300 feet after the rail line, a commercial vehicle blocked my path.
“In a twinkle of an eye, 8 people in mufti surrounded the car shouting one way. I explained to them that the road was not a one way and it is a road I have been taking since I was little, I grew up in Alagomeji, Yaba and I am above 60 years old. Before I could say Jack Robinson, five of the eight people mobbed the car on both sides struggling to take the car key.”
Ajose alleged that one of the officials unfastened his seat belt, and they all forcefully dragged him out of the car.
The retiree claimed that the traffic signs had been tampered with by the suspected officials, clearly indicating their intention to extort motorists.
He said, “The group involved in this altercation and extortion I later learnt to be Task Force Team A. The vehicle with me inside was towed to Alausa, Task Force Yard, opposite the Governor’s Road and behind the State Assembly.
“I was later told I could not stay in the car, that I should go to the Task Force Office in Bolade to resolve the matter. On getting there, it was a waiting game until around past 4.00pm when a guy named Korede who fronted for someone called chairman. At the end, a payment of N100,000 was made in cash in a restaurant where I used POS and I was given a sealed paper which I thought was a receipt with instructions not to open.
“I was sent back to the Task Force Yard in Alausa for the collection of the car. When the paper I handed over was opened, I realised it was no receipt but a coded message, I was unable to interpret. Only the keyless entry of my car was fished out from a box because I still retained my car key. The Security officials requested for another two thousand naira. I inquired for what purpose and I was told it was a Gate Pass fee, for the car to leave the premises.”
Ajose lamented the situation, adding that the matter should be investigated.
He said, “I have been feeling serious pain in my pelvic area since the attack and only hoping no serious damage was done to my body. This act of hooliganism we cannot allow in Lagos.”