Fake LASTMA Officer Arrested In La, Admits Extorting N25,000 Daily From Motorists

A man accused of impersonating an official of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), has been detained by LASTMA.

This was stated in a statement signed  by Adebayo Taofiq, Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, LASTMA.

“In a resolute operation conducted by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), a man impersonating a LASTMA officer, Mr. Adewunmi Taiwo, age 45, was detained on the Oshodi Bridge.”

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“This individual had been posing as an official to intimidate and extort funds from both commercial and private motorists in the vicinity.” the statement read in part.

“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.”

It was noted that the accused who is a married man 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.”

Addressing the incident, LASTMA General Manager Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki warned individuals who use the LASTMA uniform for fraudulent activities.

“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 statement read.