LASTMA sacks 11 officers over extortion, bribery

No fewer than 11 officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) have been sacked over allegations bordering on extortion and bribery. Though, the identities and ranks of those dismissed were unknown as of press time, one among the 12 officials of the Authority who appeared before a disciplinary panel was exonerated from any […]

No fewer than 11 officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) have been sacked over allegations bordering on extortion and bribery.

Though, the identities and ranks of those dismissed were unknown as of press time, one among the 12 officials of the Authority who appeared before a disciplinary panel was exonerated from any wrongdoing.

About 12 officials of the Authority were on Thursday, November 30, 2023, summoned before a disciplinary panel for various offences bordering on corrupt practices and absenteeism.

Adebayo Taofiq, Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, who confirmed the dismissal on Friday, said the verdict of the panel was in line with the extant rules as guided by the State Civil Service Rules and Regulations.

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Taofiq said the Acting General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Bakare Oki Olalekan, and three permanent secretaries were part of the panel.

He said the panel had forwarded their recommendations to the State Civil Service Commission for ratification in line with the Public Service Rules.

“The panel recommended various punishment ranging from dismissal, reduction in rank and immediate termination of appointment.

“While 11 officers were found guilty of corrupt practices levied against them, only one officer was exonerated by the panel.

“The Acting General Manager also read the ‘Riot Acts’ to all Comptrollers, Commanders and Zebras of the agency. He warned that stiffer and severe punishment would be meted on corrupt Officers. This effort is to weed the agency of the few bad elements tarnishing its image.

“We hereby call on residents especially motoring public to support the Agency in the on-going restructuring by promptly reporting any errant Officers via any of the Agency’s complaints hotlines (08100565860, 08129928503, 08129928515 & 08129928597) with proof of evidence,” he said.

He further stated that the general manager advised all officers of the agency to always carry out their duties without fear or favour in accordance with the stipulated laws guiding the authority, stressing that any operative caught in the process of bringing the Agency or the government into disrepute shall equally face the consequence.