LASTMA arrests fake officer for ‘extorting’ motorists at Oshodi

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) says it has arrested one Adewunmi Taiwo for allegedly impersonating its officer on Oshodi bridge.

Adebayo Taofiq, the LASTMA director of public affairs, said in a statement on Friday that the suspect confessed to making N15,000 to N25,000 daily from his illegal activities.

“Adewunmi Taiwo, age 45, operating a white Hiace Coaster Bus with the license plate KJA 724 YJ, utilized this guise to harass drivers in the area,” the statement reads.

“Upon a meticulous search of his vehicle, LASTMA Officers uncovered an official LASTMA uniform, including a branded raincoat, among his possessions, confirming his intentions to deceive.

“During interrogation, Mr. Taiwo, who claimed to hail from Ilesha in Osun State and is married with three children, confessed to misusing the uniform to extort unwitting motorists, targeting high-traffic routes along Ikorodu Road and the Oshodi to Mile 2 expressway.”

Olalekan Bakare-Oki, general manager of LASTMA, said the agency received multiple extortion reports prompting investigation and arrest of the suspect by its surveillance unit.

“I take this opportunity to issue a stern warning to individuals who exploit LASTMA’s identity for unlawful gains: any attempt to tarnish the agency’s reputation will be met with the full force of the law as the man will be charged accordingly,” he added.