Fear on Lekki-Epe expressway as motorists allege persistent extortion by hoodlums

For thousands of Lagos residents, the Lekki-Epe Expressway serves as a vital artery linking homes, businesses, schools, tourist destinations and commercial centres across the rapidly developing Lekki Peninsula.

However, behind the area’s rapid urban growth lies an escalating security concern, as motorists continue to allege harassment and extortion by suspected hoodlums despite repeated government enforcement operations.

Residents and commuters say groups commonly referred to as “area boys,” “agberos” or “Omotaku” remain active at several points along the highway, where they allegedly extort motorists, damage vehicles and intimidate those who refuse to hand over money.

According to reports, the suspected hoodlums operate at multiple locations along the expressway, with frequently mentioned hotspots including Marwa Bus Stop, Victoria Garden City (VGC), Ikota, Ilaje, Abraham Adesanya and Freedom Way.

Motorists claim the groups become particularly active during morning and evening rush hours, taking advantage of heavy traffic that leaves vehicles stationary for extended periods.

Victims allege they are routinely approached and asked, “Owo da?”—a Yoruba phrase meaning “Where is the money?” Many drivers reportedly keep N500 and N1,000 notes readily available to avoid confrontation.

Residents further allege that some of the hoodlums deliberately create traffic bottlenecks by placing discarded tyres, debris or other objects on the roadway and obstructing legal U-turns.

The resulting congestion reportedly provides opportunities to approach vehicles and demand money.

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Those who refuse to pay allegedly risk having their vehicles vandalised with stones or sticks, while some victims also claim they have been threatened with machetes or physically assaulted.

Several motorists say windscreens, side mirrors and vehicle body panels have been damaged during such encounters.

Drivers whose vehicles develop mechanical faults or become involved in minor accidents are also said to be vulnerable. Some residents allege that stranded motorists are surrounded by groups demanding what they describe as “settlement” before allowing them to seek assistance or continue their journey.

According to some accounts, victims have been compelled to surrender tens or even hundreds of thousands of naira.

During a visit to the VGC bridge, which is currently under construction, journalists reportedly observed suspected hoodlums operating beneath the overhead bridge.

Although tyres featured in a viral social media video had reportedly been removed, alleged extortion activities were said to have continued.

Private vehicles travelling toward Ikota or making U-turns beneath the bridge were reportedly targeted more frequently than commercial buses.

The report also alleged that lookouts were stationed nearby to monitor the presence of security personnel or anyone attempting to photograph or record activities in the area.

One journalist was reportedly confronted after taking photographs beneath the bridge.

According to the report, several men demanded to inspect the images and questioned whether the reporter had been sent by the Lagos State Government to gather evidence against them.

The journalist was reportedly allowed to leave only after explaining that the photographs were intended for an architectural project.

An Ikota resident, James Ugbede, alleged that motorists who refuse to pay frequently have their vehicles damaged.

Another resident, identified simply as Mrs. Funke, claimed that drivers whose vehicles break down become easy targets, alleging that some hoodlums demand at least N10,000 before allowing stranded motorists to seek help.

She also expressed concern that drug abuse among some of the suspects had worsened the security situation.

An e-hailing driver, Edward Anyaele, alleged that some hoodlums deliberately damage sections of the road at night to create illegal U-turns where motorists are later extorted.

Similarly, software developer Solomon Muoka recounted an encounter in which he allegedly refused to pay after suspected hoodlums blocked the road.

He further claimed that some authorities were aware of the activities, although those allegations have not been independently verified.

The alleged menace has also affected several public figures.

Afrobeats artiste Mavo, born Marvin Ukanigbe, recently shared footage showing suspected hoodlums surrounding his SUV after he allegedly declined to give them money.

The video appeared to show one individual throwing a stone at the vehicle while others pelted it with objects.

Content creator Peller, whose real name is Habeeb Hamzat, also posted a livestream in which a suspected hoodlum allegedly threw a stone at his vehicle while he was caught in traffic, prompting an emotional reaction that quickly went viral on social media.

Skit maker Samuel Banks similarly alleged that suspected hoodlums damaged his vehicle after he refused their demands, claiming it was the third time he had experienced a similar incident.

Authorities have repeatedly announced enforcement operations aimed at restoring order along the Lekki corridor.

In March, the Lagos State Government confirmed the arrest of 25 suspected Omotaku accused of harassing motorists.

A month later, following another viral video showing machete-wielding individuals intimidating road users around the Chisco and Osapa Bus Stop axis, the Lagos State Police Command launched a sting operation that reportedly led to several additional arrests.

The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has assured residents that enforcement operations will continue, while the police have maintained that public safety remains a priority and urged residents to remain calm.

Despite the arrests, many commuters contend that the suspected hoodlums often return to the roads shortly after enforcement exercises conclude.

Residents and community members are therefore calling for more sustained security measures, including increased police patrols, intelligence-led operations, continuous surveillance and stronger prosecution of offenders to deter future criminal activities.

As one of Nigeria’s busiest commercial corridors, the Lekki-Epe Expressway remains central to economic activities in Lagos.

However, persistent allegations of extortion and intimidation continue to raise concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of ongoing enforcement efforts, with many residents urging authorities to implement lasting solutions that will ensure motorists can travel the route without fear.