Lagos to punish two LASTMA officials over ‘extortion’

The Lagos state government says it will mete out disciplinary actions on two officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), who allegedly received gratification from a traffic offender.

Obafemi Hamzat, deputy-governor of the state, said this on Friday, during a fact-finding engagement with the two officers.

The duo had admitted to have received gratification from the offender, but claimed the money was to show appreciation.

The deputy-governor, however, said the act was against traffic rules and that disciplinary actions would be taken against them with immediate effect.

The two LASTMA officials allegedly received undisclosed amount of cash into their personal bank accounts as bribe to free the offender, who claimed to be driving on a one-way lane unknowingly.

— The Lagos State Govt (@followlasg) June 21, 2019

The Deputy Governor disclosed that disciplinary actions would be taken against the erring officers immediately, adding that the punitive measures would serve as deterrent to other officers with similar motive to extort money from motorists. #ForAGreaterLagos #LASG @followlastma pic.twitter.com/PR70Mo42Op

— The Lagos State Govt (@followlasg) June 21, 2019

“These two officials allegedly extorted money from an offender whose lawyer sent a petition to us. We have listened to their stories, but we are not convinced by their defence,” he said.

“For further action, the two officers have been referred to LASTMA for further investigation and possible disciplinary actions. The law must take its course. This effort is to inform members of the public that LASTMA is created to make life easy for all of us.”

Hamzat also said that the two “erring” officers will be used as “scapegoat” to other officials that the state government will not condone the harassment of Lagos citizens.

“In carrying out their statutory duties, no agency of government is allowed to harass citizens. We advise residents not to pay penalty into personal bank accounts of government officials. LASTMA and other agencies have their direct lines to lodge complaints.

“This administration will ensure people live peacefully in Lagos. We are not out to harass anybody. These two LASTMA officers will receive disciplinary actions if found guilty. They will be given a fair hearing to prove their case, but if found guilty; the law would take its course.”