26th July, 2011
A 46-year old man, Bamidele Omotutu, was on Monday arraigned at an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, charged with impersonating an official of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).
Omotutu, who is standing trial on a two-count charge of impersonation and unlawful possession of some documents, however, pleaded not guilty.
The prosecution alleged that items such as a walkie-talkie belonging to LASTMA and a driver’s licence owned by Mr. Liu Xin Sheng, an expatriate, were also found on him.
The prosecutor, ASP Nicholas Anieke, told the court that the accused committed the offence on July 21 at Falomo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, when he was caught stopping motorists and collecting money from them as a LASTMA official.
Anieke said the offence contravened Sections 180 (2) and 430 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
Magistrate O. A. Layinka granted the accused bail in the sum of N150, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
The case was adjourned till August 15 for further hearing.