Lagos cracks down on street hoodlums, beggars, jails 26

The Lagos State Government has sentenced 26 members of the notorious ‘Omotaku’ group to three months’ imprisonment and arrested 115 street beggars in ongoing enforcement operations across the state.

This was disclosed in a statement posted on X on Monday by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab.

According to the statement, the enforcement exercise was carried out across multiple locations in Lagos as part of efforts to restore public order and ensure the proper use of public spaces.

“A total of 115 street beggars were arrested today across various locations in the state during the ongoing enforcement operations,” the statement said.

It added that 26 members of the ‘Omotaku’ group, apprehended from different parts of the state within the last 24 hours, were arraigned before a Magistrate Court sitting in Oshodi.

“In addition, 26 members of the notorious ‘Omotaku’ group apprehended from different parts of Lagos within the last 24 hours were arraigned before the Magistrate Court in Oshodi,” the statement read.

The commissioner noted that the suspects pleaded guilty to the charges preferred against them and were sentenced accordingly.

The defendants pleaded guilty to the charges brought against them and were sentenced to three months’ imprisonment in accordance with the law,” the statement said. 

Wahab stated that the action underscored the state government’s zero tolerance for activities that threaten public safety and environmental order.

“This action reinforces the state government’s firm stance against activities that threaten public safety, order, and the effective use of public spaces,” the statement added.

The commissioner further assured residents that enforcement operations would continue across Lagos to maintain safety and order.

“Enforcement efforts will continue across the state to ensure compliance with existing laws and to maintain a safe and orderly environment for all Lagosians, hyj hjuiho,” the statement said.