Doctor, Filmmaker Recount Extortion Threats by Lagos Area Boys

A medical doctor and a filmmaker have shared harrowing experiences of extortion and intimidation by street touts, commonly known as 'area boys,' while conducting their professional activities in Lagos.

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When we got there and started our activities, you need to see how these boys swarmed us. They kept asking for money. Some of them even threatened that they could scatter the outreach and cause a whole pandemonium despite the security presence.

Dr. Olusina Ajidahun, also known as The Bearded Sina, described how his team's free medical outreach in Mushin was swarmed by touts demanding money. Some threatened to cause pandemonium despite the presence of security operatives. Ajidahun recounted an encounter with a particularly intimidating tout who, after demanding money, was later revealed to have connections to musicians and celebrities.

Ajidahun noted that these touts appear to generate significant income from their activities in the slums, using violence to advance personal agendas. He observed unusual attire and demeanor in one tout, suggesting potential substance use and a disregard for conventional norms.

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One particular one, if I recall well, he had blue lips and blue tongue stained from substances ( maybe Rohypnol), he looked unkempt, had tattoos all over him. He was smelling of tobacco mixed with heavy cannabis. His bloodshot red eyes stared at me. He asked again with his heavy, hoarse voice… Oga Doctor, drop something for boys.

In a separate incident, filmmaker ThankGod Omori, professionally known as TG Omori, reported that a night shoot in Ikoyi was disrupted around 3 a.m. by a crowd of touts. They gathered outside the location, demanding that TG Omori "show them love" before leaving the premises. The disruption forced Omori to leave the set unattended, with one scene remaining unshot.

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TG Omori you go show us love before you comot for here.