Lagos Taskforce arrests dismissed operative over alleged impersonation, extortion
The Lagos State Taskforce says it has arrested a dismissed operative, Yahaya Salami, also known as Adams, over allegations that he continued to present himself as a serving officer and extort members of the public after leaving the agency.
Salami was apprehended at Oshodi Bus Stop after a video of the arrest circulated online, according to the Taskforce.
Taskforce says Salami was dismissed months earlier
The agency said Salami had been dismissed several months earlier over alleged misconduct and no longer had any affiliation with the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit.
Taskforce spokesperson Gbadeyan Abdulraheem said the agency alleged that Salami continued to impersonate its personnel after his dismissal.
The Taskforce also linked his earlier dismissal to allegations including theft, use of a fake identity card, extortion of motorists and traders, and indiscipline.
Those allegations have not been tested in court. Salami’s arrest does not establish criminal guilt.
Agency details arrest at Oshodi
The Taskforce said it had made several attempts to locate Salami before his eventual apprehension at Oshodi.
It also alleged that he resisted an invitation for questioning before operatives arrested him.
Taskforce Chairman CSP Adetayo Akerele said the alleged impersonation posed a risk to members of the public because unauthorised individuals presenting themselves as enforcement officers could undermine trust in legitimate law-enforcement activity.
Case raises questions over identity controls
The case raises a wider accountability question over how enforcement agencies control uniforms, identification and institutional identity after an operative is dismissed or otherwise leaves service.
For Lagos residents, the practical concern is whether a person presenting as a Taskforce officer can be quickly and independently verified before money, documents or compliance are demanded.
Akerele urged members of the public to verify the identities of people claiming to be Taskforce officials and report suspicious activity through official channels.
Arraignment not yet independently confirmed
The Taskforce said Salami was expected to be arraigned before a court on Monday after the completion of necessary procedures.
As of the latest material reviewed by IDNN, no verified court record confirming that arraignment had taken place was located.
