LASTMA Nabs Fake Traffic Officer In Lagos... Recovers Uniforms, Kits As Manhunt For Others Begins

Operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) on Wednesday, 14th of December, 2022 nabbed a fake LASTMA traffic officer around the Lekki area of Lagos.

In a press statement released by the Director Public Affairs Department of LASTMA, Mr. Adebayo Taofiq quoted the General Manager Mr. Bolaji Oreagba as he stated that the suspect was nabbed by the traffic agency's patrol team while on duty monitoring and controlling traffic around the Lekki axis in Lagos.

Preliminary investigations conducted by the Agency revealed that the arrested suspect belonged to a criminal gang and they have been extorting huge money from innocent motorists, apprehending them for various traffic offenses, ranging from non-use of seat-belt, obstructions, illegal over-taking and One-way at different locations across the State.

According to Mr. Oreagba "The suspect was apprehended after our patrol team sighted him fully kitted with a Lastma uniform on black jeans collecting money from different commercial bus drivers who were illegally dropping and picking up passengers under the Lekki bridge."

"It is disheartening for some unscrupulous elements  impersonating Lastma Officials, and extorting money from innocent motorists thereby denting the good image of the Agency before the public"

Mr.Oreagba urged  motorists to be wary of fake officers demanding money from them stating that the Agency operates a cashless policy as any violators apprehended are charged to court with a 'Referral Notice'

He however warned those impersonators to desist from such illegal acts as more surveillance personnel have been deployed to strategic locations to hunt for those extorting innocent motorists under the pretext of the Agency.

The arrested suspect Mr. David Oluchkwu (27yrs) confessed to having been impersonating as a LASTMA  official and extorting money from different motorists, particularly commercial bus drivers apprehended for violating traffic laws across the State.

Mr. Oluchkwu who hailed from 'Ukpu' in Anambra State confessed further to be making an average of N40,000 every day from the illegal traffic business.

"Any motorists I caught driving against traffic (One-way) paid a minimum of N50,000 while other traffic violators were charged with different fines"

The suspect with no fixed address however appealed to the government to temper justice with mercy.

Meanwhile, the Director of the Legal Department (LASTMA ) Barr. Akerele Kehinde disclosed that the arrested suspect would be charged to court today (Thursday, 15th of December, 2022) in accordance with the Criminal Code Law of Lagos State.