Operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), have nabbed a man impersonating as its official for extorting motorists in Oshodi area of Lagos.
This was contained in a statement by the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, on Friday.
The man identified as Mr. Adewunmi Taiwo aged 45 was arrested on Oshodi bridge.
According to the statement, he was operating with a white Hiace Coaster Bus with the license plate KJA 724 YJ.
Mr Taiwo who claimed to hail from Ilesha in Osun state confessed to misusing the uniform to extort unwitting motorists, targeting high-traffic routes along Ikorodu Road and the Oshodi to Mile 2 expressway.
“This individual had been posing as an official to intimidate and extort funds from both commercial and private motorists in the vicinity.
“Mr. Taiwo utilized this guise to harass drivers in the area. Upon a meticulous search of his vehicle, LASTMA Officers uncovered an official LASTMA uniform, including a branded raincoat, among his possessions, confirming his intentions to deceive.
“He further admitted to generating between N15,000 and N25,000 daily from these unauthorized activities.”
Addressing the incident, LASTMA General Manager Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki confirmed that the agency had received multiple reports regarding extortion linked to this particular Hiace Coaster Bus.
In response, LASTMA’s Surveillance and Monitoring Unit was mobilized to investigate and subsequently apprehend the suspect.
“We are unwavering in our commitment to uphold LASTMA’s integrity and professionalism,” affirmed Mr. Bakare-Oki. “I take this opportunity to issue a stern warning to individuals who exploit LASTMA’s identity for unlawful gains: any attempt to tarnish the agency’s reputation will be met with the full force of the law as the man will be charged accordingly.”
He reassured the public of its vigilant enforcement efforts to safeguard the efficacy of traffic management in Lagos State.
“The agency urges all motorists to report any suspicious activities via LASTMA’s toll-free hotlines (080000527862) to aid in eradicating this illicit practice.”