LASTMA Arrests Fake Officer for Extorting Motorist in Lagos
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has arrested a 47-year-old man for allegedly impersonating one of its officers and extorting ₦7,800 from an unsuspecting motorist.
LASTMA’s General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, disclosed this in a statement, noting that the suspect was caught near Itire Junction in Lagos.
According to him, preliminary investigations showed that the man, pretending to be a LASTMA official, stopped a motorist identified as Mr. Stephen Ayano and demanded ₦80,000 for allegedly making an illegal turn.
Bakare-Oki explained that the victim grew suspicious after the exchange and contacted the agency through its toll-free hotline (0800-00-LASTMA / 0800-005-27862) to confirm the officer’s identity.
Following the report, LASTMA’s Surveillance and Intelligence Unit was immediately dispatched to the scene, leading to the suspect’s arrest.
On sighting the approaching enforcement team, the suspect reportedly attempted to flee but was chased, arrested, and taken to the LASTMA headquarters for interrogation.
During questioning, Adewodun confessed to being part of a three-man syndicate that frequently poses as LASTMA officials to extort unsuspecting motorists around the Itire area and other parts of Lagos.
He revealed that the group makes an average of ₦65,000 daily from such fraudulent activities.
Commending the motorist for his vigilance, Mr. Bakare-Oki described the report as an act of civic responsibility.
He reaffirmed LASTMA’s commitment to integrity, professionalism, and transparency, emphasizing that the agency maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward impersonation and extortion.
“All authentic LASTMA officers can be easily identified by their official uniforms, personalized name tags, and service identification numbers,” Bakare-Oki stated.
He urged motorists to remain alert and report suspicious activities through the agency’s verified communication channels, including its toll-free emergency line (080000527862).
Mr. Bakare-Oki assured that the suspect would be arraigned before a Mobile Court to serve as a deterrent to others engaging in similar criminal acts.
He reiterated that LASTMA remains resolute in ensuring order, discipline, and sanity on Lagos roads while protecting law-abiding motorists from fraudulent exploitation.
