LASTMA Arrests Fake Officer Who Extorted ₦7,800 From Motorist in Lagos

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has arrested a 47-year-old man for impersonating one of its officials and extorting ₦7,800 from an unsuspecting motorist at Itire Junction, Lagos.

According to LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, the suspect approached a driver, Mr. Stephen Ayano, and demanded ₦80,000 as a fine for an alleged traffic violation. When the victim could not afford the amount, he was forced to hand over the only ₦7,800 he had on him.

Bakare-Oki said the motorist, suspecting foul play, quickly contacted LASTMA through its toll-free number. The agency’s Surveillance and Intelligence Unit was dispatched to the scene, leading to the suspect’s arrest after he attempted to flee.

During interrogation, the man confessed to being part of a three-man gang that routinely posed as LASTMA officers to extort motorists in the Itire area, earning an average of ₦65,000 daily from illegal operations.

The LASTMA boss commended the vigilance of the victim, describing his quick report as an example of responsible citizenship. He assured Lagosians that the suspect would be arraigned before a mobile court to deter others involved in similar fraudulent activities.

Bakare-Oki reminded motorists to verify any suspicious officer through official hotlines and to identify genuine LASTMA personnel by their uniforms, name tags, and service identification numbers.