Lagos motorists face rising extortion by roadside groups

Motorists in Lagos are increasingly reporting incidents of extortion by groups of young men, often referred to as “agberos” or “area boys,” who demand unauthorized tolls on busy roads and near public events.

Recent incidents include a motorist being stranded on the Ojuelegba Bridge during flooding, where a group of men demanded ₦70,000 to assist with a vehicle. The situation was eventually settled for ₦7,000 through a mediator.

Social media has amplified concerns regarding this trend, with a recent video involving a Tesla Cybertruck near Onikan Stadium gaining significant traction. The issue has affected various sectors, including the entertainment industry, with reports of film crews and high-profile individuals such as actress Bimbo Ademoye facing similar roadside demands for money.