The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has arrested a 47-year-old man, Mr. Adetayo Adewodun, for impersonating an official of the agency and fraudulently extorting the sum of ₦7,800 from an unsuspecting motorist at the Itire Junction area of Lagos State.
According to Mr. Taofiq Adebayo, Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment of LASTMA, the incident occurred on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, when the suspect accosted one Mr. Ayano Stephen, a driver of a white Hilux vehicle (registration number GME 259 TE) belonging to a construction company, for allegedly making an unlawful turn.
Adebayo said the suspect, posing as a LASTMA officer, deceitfully demanded ₦80,000 as a supposed penalty for the alleged traffic offence. After negotiation, the motorist parted with ₦7,800 — the only cash in his possession — before becoming suspicious of the suspect’s conduct.
“The motorist, sensing something was wrong, promptly contacted the agency through its toll-free hotline (0800-00-LASTMA / 080000527862) to confirm the authenticity of the so-called officer,” Adebayo said.
He explained that the agency’s Surveillance and Intelligence Unit, acting on the directive of the General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, swiftly mobilised operatives to the scene.
“On sighting the approaching enforcement team, the suspect attempted to escape but was pursued, apprehended within minutes, and conveyed to the agency’s headquarters in Oshodi for interrogation,” Adebayo added.
Further investigations, according to Adebayo, revealed that the suspect was part of a three-man criminal syndicate that regularly paraded themselves as LASTMA officials around the Itire axis to extort unsuspecting motorists.
The suspect confessed that the group operated at several junctions, making an average of ₦65,000 daily through such fraudulent acts.
The General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, lauded the motorist’s vigilance and timely report, describing it as a demonstration of civic responsibility.
“This singular act by the motorist reflects true patriotism and cooperation with government authorities. It helped expose a fraudulent element tarnishing the image of genuine law enforcement officers,” Bakare-Oki stated.
He reaffirmed the agency’s zero-tolerance stance against impersonation and corrupt practices, emphasising that authentic LASTMA personnel are easily identifiable by their official uniforms, personalised name tags, and service identification numbers.
Bakare-Oki urged Lagos residents, particularly motorists, to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity through the agency’s verified communication channels, assuring that all credible reports would receive immediate action.
“The suspect will be charged before a Mobile Court to serve as a deterrent to others who habitually disguise as LASTMA officials to extort innocent members of the public,” he said.
The General Manager reiterated LASTMA’s commitment to its core mandate of maintaining order, discipline, and sanity on Lagos roads, while safeguarding motorists from criminal exploitation.
