LAGOS – A commercial bus conductor purportedly fainted after an argument with an official of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority who seized his vehicle with an intention of arresting him and his driver for violating the state traffic rule in the Maryland area of the state.
It was gathered that on March 7, 2020, during the operation, there was an argument between the conductor and the LASTMA official.
However, the argument reportedly led into a physical combat and the conductor fainted in the process.
According to reports, it was made known that the bus conductor contravened the law by leaving the door open on motion, while the conductor was also caught on camera hanging on the bus, adding that they had committed the same offences several times in the past.
Footage of the incident, which went viral on the social media, showed passengers in the bus, including a riot policeman, condemning the action of the LASTMA official, who allegedly assaulted the conductor, after efforts to make him regain consciousness proved abortive.
Olumide Filade, the Public Relations Officer, LASTMA, said it was revealed in an investigation by the agency, that the bus driver and conductor violated the state traffic rule, adding that the conductor faked the fainting to turn up public sentiment against the agency’s personnel.
“The General Manager, LASTMA, Olajide Oduyoye, while reacting to the trending video, stated indisputably that the rules of engagement for the agency’s officials with members of the public did not include being physical with traffic offenders as stated in the law that guides the agency’s operations.
Speaking further “Oduyoye assured the public that justice will be done on the issue as the driver, the police escort and the conductor have been released owing to public sentiments, while reiterating that 25 officers of the agency had gone through disciplinary procedures and necessary sanctions administered, with some having their appointments terminated, since he assumed office in October 2019.
“Oduyoye stated that concerted efforts would be made to apprehend the offenders to face the full wrath of the law, while he enjoined commuters and the public to refrain from preventing LASTMA officials from discharging their duties, because enforcement is principally meant for their safety and security
