Fake LASTMA official arrested over extortion, says gang makes N65,000 daily

A suspected impersonator of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has been arrested for allegedly extorting money from drivers in Lagos. The suspect, identified as Adetayo Adewodun (47), was apprehended after successfully extorting from a driver in the Itire area of Lagos. According to witnesses, the impersonator was found with a fake LASTMA identity […]

A suspected impersonator of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has been arrested for allegedly extorting money from drivers in Lagos.

The suspect, identified as Adetayo Adewodun (47), was apprehended after successfully extorting from a driver in the Itire area of Lagos.

According to witnesses, the impersonator was found with a fake LASTMA identity card and a reflective jacket, which he used to deceive drivers.

During interrogation, Adewodun admitted belonging to a three-man gang of impostors and confessed that they make an average of N65,000 daily from their extortion activities.]

 It is alleged that the suspect had been operating in different parts of the Lagos metropolis, targeting and extorting money from unsuspecting drivers.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, confirmed the arrest, saying he was picked up on Tuesday at the Itire Junction axis of Lagos State.

He said, “Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect, Mr. Adewodun, accosted one of his victims, Mr. Ayano Stephen, driver of a white Hilux vehicle belonging to a construction firm, for allegedly making an unlawful turn at the aforementioned junction.

“Posing as a LASTMA operative, the impostor deceitfully demanded the sum of N80,000 as a supposed penalty for the traffic violation.

“Unable to meet the outrageous demand, Mr. Stephen pleaded and eventually parted with the only cash in his possession—a sum of N7,800—which he handed over to the fake officer.

“However, shortly after the transaction, the motorist became suspicious of the suspect’s demeanor and promptly contacted the Agency through its toll-free hotline to verify the authenticity of the alleged officer.

“Acting upon the distress report, LASTMA’s Surveillance and Intelligence Unit, under the directive of the General Manager, swiftly mobilized to the location.

“On sighting the approaching enforcement team, the suspect attempted to flee but was hotly pursued, apprehended within minutes, and immediately conveyed to the LASTMA headquarters at Oshodi for interrogation.

“During rigorous questioning, Mr. Adewodun confessed to being a member of a three-man criminal syndicate that routinely parades themselves as LASTMA personnel around the Itire axis, extorting unsuspecting motorists under the guise of enforcing traffic regulations.

“He further divulged that the gang operates across several road intersections and makes an average of N65,000 daily through such nefarious activities,” Bakare-Oki added.

The General Manager commended the motorist for his vigilance and prompt report, describing it as a demonstration of civic responsibility.