The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has arrested a 47-year-old man for allegedly impersonating one of its officials and extorting ₦7,800 from an unsuspecting motorist.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, disclosed this in a statement, saying the suspect was apprehended near the Itire Junction area of the state.
According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect, posing as a LASTMA operative, had accosted one Mr. Stephen Ayano and demanded ₦80,000 for allegedly making an unlawful turn at a junction.
Mr. Bakare-Oki explained that the victim became suspicious of the suspect’s behaviour shortly after the transaction and promptly contacted the agency through its toll-free hotline (0800-00-LASTMA / 0800-005-27862) to verify the authenticity of the alleged officer.
He said that upon receiving the distress report, LASTMA’s Surveillance and Intelligence Unit was swiftly deployed to the location.
On sighting the approaching enforcement team, the suspect reportedly attempted to flee but was chased, arrested, and taken to the LASTMA headquarters for interrogation.
Written by Ngozi Okpala