The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit (Taskforce) has arrested six suspects linked to a fraudulent street lottery scheme operating at Iyana-Ipaja, targeting unsuspecting members of the public.

 

Those apprehended include Amaike Nelson, Kenneth Opuana, Oguntade Olusegun, Ogologo Obi, Goodluck Abel, and Oluwafunmilayo Adebimpe. The arrests followed intelligence reports about the gang’s operations in the area.

 

According to the taskforce, the group lured a 19-year-old student, Rukayat Kamilu, into a rigged street game where one of the suspects, Oguntade Olusegun, allegedly posed as a confused passerby seeking assistance in selecting a “winning number.” The situation escalated when her mobile phone was seized, and she was pressured to pay N100,000 to recover it.

 

Acting on a tip-off, a team led by Taskforce Chairman CSP Adetayo Akerele raided the location and apprehended the suspects. During the operation, authorities recovered several empty Android phone boxes, believed to have been used as decoys in the scam.

 

Condemning the act, CSP Akerele reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting Lagos residents.

 

“We will not tolerate these deceptive street scams. Our duty is to safeguard lives and property, and we are intensifying operations against such illegalities,” he stated.

 

 

 

The suspects have been arraigned before a Magistrates’ Court on charges of extortion, theft, conspiracy, and illegal gambling. All six pleaded guilty, and the court ordered their remand in custody pending further hearing on August 7, 2025.