Disc jockey recounts harassment after being mistaken for Ayra Starr as DJ Neptune urges urgent government action
Lagos-based disc jockey and backup singer Saltiana, popularly known as DJ Salt of Life, has raised fresh concerns over the activities of suspected area boys in Lagos after alleging that she was harassed by street touts who mistakenly believed she was Nigerian music star Ayra Starr.
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Sharing her experience on social media on Monday, Saltiana described the encounter as both frightening and humiliating, saying the men persistently shouted Ayra Starr’s name while demanding money from her vehicle.
The DJ Saltiana Raises Alarm incident has added to growing public concern over reports of harassment and alleged extortion by street touts targeting motorists across parts of Lagos.
“And the fact that they kept shouting Ayra Starr because they thought I was her made it even worse. THIS HAS TO STOP,” Saltiana wrote.
The disc jockey expressed concern that motorists driving luxury or expensive vehicles increasingly face intimidation from suspected touts who allegedly refuse to allow them to continue their journeys without making payments.
“Imagine, this is what happens now in Lagos once you drive a nice car. These Agberos/Area Boys won’t let you go except you give them money. If you don’t give them, they might stone your car and break something. So basically, it’s by force,” she said.
Calling for urgent intervention, Saltiana questioned how authorities intended to address what she described as a worsening situation.
“This is not good. How can this be controlled because it’s getting out of hand?” she added.
Her account was echoed by music producer and disc jockey Imohiosen Patrick, widely known as DJ Neptune, who also recounted an encounter with suspected hoodlums while leaving content creator Peller’s wedding on Saturday.
In a post on X on Monday, DJ Neptune said he managed to avoid being overwhelmed by a group of men who approached him as he drove away from the event.
“A bunch of these agberos/hoodlums tried to mob me as I was leaving Peller’s wedding. It took confidence to navigate my way out. Those guys no get joy at all,” he wrote.
DJ Neptune urged the Lagos State Government to respond swiftly, warning that the growing activities of street touts could increase the risk of road crashes and endanger innocent motorists.
“Lagos State Government needs react real quick about these agberos or hoodlums chasing people and their cars on the street of Lagos.
We’ve been dealing with beggars on the road and now this. Make person no go crash or innocently get involved in an accident,” he added.
The separate accounts have renewed attention on long-standing complaints from residents and motorists regarding alleged extortion, harassment and vandalism by suspected area boys in several parts of Lagos, including Lekki, Ajah, Oshodi, Mushin and Agege.
In recent years, road users have repeatedly alleged that organised groups operating at busy junctions and traffic corridors demand money from motorists, sometimes resorting to intimidation or damaging vehicles when refused.
While successive state administrations have launched operations to curb illegal street activities, complaints from residents suggest that the challenge persists in some locations.
The latest allegations also highlight a growing trend in which motorists driving premium vehicles are reportedly mistaken for celebrities or wealthy individuals and subsequently targeted by suspected touts seeking money.
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Although the Lagos State Government has consistently pledged to tackle street crime and maintain public order, the experiences shared by Saltiana and DJ Neptune have intensified calls for stronger enforcement and improved protection for road users.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
