Officials from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) have arrested 45-year-old Adewunmi Taiwo for impersonating a LASTMA officer on Oshodi Bridge in Lagos.
Adebayo Taofiq, LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, confirmed that the apprehension took place during a coordinated operation, leading to the suspect’s detention on the busy bridge.
Taiwo was reportedly posing as an official to intimidate and extort money from both commercial and private drivers in the area. “Operating a white Hiace Coaster Bus with the license plate KJA 724 YJ, Mr. Taiwo used this disguise to harass motorists in the vicinity,” Taofiq stated.
During a thorough search of the vehicle, LASTMA officers discovered an official LASTMA uniform, complete with a branded raincoat, which further confirmed his deceptive intentions.
In the course of questioning, Taiwo, who identified himself as a resident of Ilesha in Osun State and a father of three, admitted to using the uniform to extort unsuspecting motorists, particularly along high-traffic routes like Ikorodu Road and the Oshodi to Mile 2 expressway. He confessed to generating between N15,000 and N25,000 daily from these unauthorized activities.
LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, noted that the agency had received several reports concerning extortion linked to the same Hiace Coaster Bus. In response, he indicated that the LASTMA Surveillance and Monitoring Unit was activated to investigate and capture the suspect.
“We are unwavering in our commitment to uphold LASTMA’s integrity and professionalism,” affirmed Mr. Bakare-Oki. He added a stern warning to anyone attempting to exploit LASTMA’s identity for illegal activities: “Any effort to tarnish the agency’s reputation will be met with the full force of the law, and the individual will face charges accordingly.”
LASTMA reassured the public of its vigilant efforts to ensure effective traffic management across the state and urged motorists to report any suspicious activities via LASTMA’s toll-free hotline at 080000527862 to help eliminate such unlawful practices.
