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."
