FAKE LASTMA OFFICIAL REMANDED IN CUSTODY FOR EXTORTING MOTORIST IN LAGOS
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
A Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) impersonator, Adetayo Adewodun, has been remanded by a Mobile Magistrate Court sitting in the Oshodi area of Lagos State for allegedly extorting a motorist and impersonating traffic officials.
The development was disclosed in a statement by LASTMA spokesperson, Adebayo Taofiq, on Thursday.
Adewodun, 47, was apprehended for posing as a LASTMA officer and extorting ₦7,800 from a motorist, identified as Ayano Stephen, at Itire Junction. The suspect had reportedly accosted Stephen, who was driving a white Hilux vehicle with number plate GME 259 TE, belonging to a construction firm, accusing him of making an unlawful turn.
He then allegedly demanded ₦80,000 as a supposed penalty for the traffic offence before eventually extorting ₦7,800.
Following his arraignment before the mobile court, Adewodun pleaded not guilty to a two-count charge bordering on impersonation and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace. The court subsequently ordered that he be remanded in a correctional facility pending the perfection of his bail conditions.
Reacting to the development, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said the judicial action would serve as a deterrent to others who might engage in similar fraudulent acts.
“He emphasised that this judicial action would serve as a stern deterrent to other unscrupulous elements who habitually impersonate LASTMA officers to defraud innocent members of the public under false pretences,” Taofiq stated.
Bakare-Oki reaffirmed LASTMA’s commitment to maintaining order and discipline on Lagos roads while protecting motorists from fraud and harassment.
This is not the first impersonation case involving fake LASTMA officials. In March 2023, a man was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment for similar offences, while another suspect was arrested in August 2023 for illegally towing a vehicle while posing as a traffic enforcement officer.
The court has adjourned Adewodun’s case for further hearing.
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