The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has arrested a 47-year-old man for allegedly impersonating one of its officials and extorting N7,800 from an unsuspecting motorist.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, disclosed this in a statement, saying the suspect was apprehended near the Itire Junction area of the state.
According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect, posing as a LASTMA operative, had accosted one Mr. Stephen Ayano and demanded N80,000 for allegedly making an unlawful turn at a junction.
Mr. Bakare-Oki explained that the victim became suspicious of the suspect’s behaviour shortly after the transaction and promptly contacted the agency through its toll-free hotline (0800-00-LASTMA / 0800-005-27862) to verify the authenticity of the alleged officer.
He said that upon receiving the distress report, LASTMA’s Surveillance and Intelligence Unit was swiftly deployed to the location.
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.