Officials from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) have arrested a 45-year-old man, Adewunmi Taiwo, for impersonating a LASTMA officer on Oshodi Bridge in Lagos.
Adebayo Taofiq, the Director of LASTMA’s Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, revealed that Taiwo was apprehended during a focused operation by LASTMA officials while he was actively intimidating and extorting money from commercial and private motorists in the area.
“Operating a white Hiace Coaster Bus with the license plate KJA 724 YJ, Mr. Taiwo utilised 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.
“During interrogation, Mr Taiwo, who claimed to hail from Ilesha in Osun State and is married with three children, confessed to misusing the uniform to extort unwitting motorists, targeting high-traffic routes along Ikorodu Road and the Oshodi to Mile 2 expressway. He further admitted to generating between N15,000 and N25,000 daily from these unauthorised activities,” he said.
While 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, he said LASTMA Surveillance and Monitoring Unit was mobilised to investigate and subsequently apprehend the suspect.
“We are unwavering in our commitment to uphold LASTMA’s integrity and professionalism,” affirmed Mr.
Bakare-Oki, adding, “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.”
The agency reassured the public of its vigilant enforcement efforts to safeguard efficient traffic management in the state.
The agency urged all motorists to report any suspicious activities via LASTMA’s toll-free hotlines (080000527862) to assist in eradicating such unlawful practice.
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