Fake LASTMA Official Arrested For Daily Extortion Of N25,000

A 45-year-old father of three named Adewunmi Taiwo has reportedly confessed to making between N15,000 and N25,000 daily by pretending to be an official from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) on the Oshodi bridge.

Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, the General Manager of LASTMA, shared this information while confirming Taiwo’s arrest in a statement on Friday in Lagos. He explained that Taiwo was caught and detained following a specific operation.

The statement, issued by Mr. Taofiq Adebayo, who is the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department at LASTMA, revealed that Taiwo had been pretending to be 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, Taiwo used this cover to harass drivers in the vicinity,” Bakare-Oki stated.

During a detailed search of his vehicle, LASTMA officers found an official LASTMA uniform, including a branded raincoat, which confirmed his intention to deceive.

While being questioned, Taiwo, who claimed to be from Ilesha in Osun State and married with three children, admitted to misusing the uniform to extort unsuspecting motorists. He mentioned that he targeted busy routes along Ikorodu Road and the Oshodi to Mile 2 Expressway, confessing that he made between N15,000 and N25,000 daily from these illegal activities.

Bakare-Oki noted that LASTMA had received several complaints about extortion related to this specific Hiace Coaster bus.

“To address this, LASTMA’s Surveillance and Monitoring Unit was sent to investigate and catch the suspect,” he added.

He emphasized the agency’s commitment to maintaining LASTMA’s integrity and professionalism. “I want to warn anyone who misuses LASTMA’s identity for illegal activities: any attempt to damage the agency’s reputation will face the full force of the law. The man will be charged accordingly,” he said.

Bakare-Oki reassured the public of LASTMA’s efforts to ensure effective traffic management in Lagos State. “We encourage all drivers to report any suspicious activities through LASTMA’s toll-free hotline (080000527862) to help eliminate this illegal practice,” he urged.

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