A man has been detained by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) for allegedly impersonating one of its officials.
This information was conveyed in a statement signed by Adebayo Taofiq, Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department at LASTMA.
In a decisive operation conducted by LASTMA, the man simply identified as Mr. Adewunmi Taiwo, aged 45, was apprehended on the Oshodi Bridge.
He purportedly posed as a LASTMA officer, using this false identity to intimidate and extort funds from both commercial and private motorists in the area.
Mr. Taiwo operated a white Hiace Coaster Bus with the license plate KJA 724 YJ. His actions included harassing drivers in high-traffic zones.
A thorough search of his vehicle revealed an official LASTMA uniform, including a branded raincoat, corroborating his intent to deceive.
It has been reported that Mr. Taiwo, a married man and father of three, confessed to misusing the uniform to extort unsuspecting motorists, primarily along routes with significant traffic, such as Ikorodu Road and the Oshodi to Mile 2 expressway.
He disclosed that he generated between N15,000 and N25,000 daily from these unauthorized endeavors.
In response to this incident, LASTMA General Manager Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki issued a stern warning to individuals who exploit LASTMA's identity for fraudulent purposes.
He emphasized, "This serves as a strong reminder that any attempts to undermine the agency's reputation will be addressed with the full extent of the law, and appropriate charges will be filed against the individual involved."
Post a Comment