19th August, 2022
Two purported Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Special Traffic Mayors (STM), Ibrahim Jibril Abu and Olamide Oshin have been arrested by a patrol team from LASTMA Headquarter.
They were arrested on Wednesday, 17 August, 2022 around 12.30pm at the Sheraton Hotel bus stop on Mobolaji Bank-Anthony Way for illegally apprehending a logistic motorcyclist.
There have been incidences of impersonation of LASTMA personnel by some unscrupulous members of the public in time past.
A statement issued by LASTMA’s spokesman, Filade Olumide on Friday, said this was one of such cases which the agency had vowed to handle with the laws of the State.
“Upon proper investigation, it was discovered that Ibrahim Jubril Abu was truly a LASTMA STM, he obtained another mayor’s reflective jacket number to print a fake identity card for Olamide Oshin in order to perpetuate fraudulent acts and thereby whipped up public sentiments against lawful officers on traffic management duties.
“The two culprits who have been handed over to the police at Area F are cooling their heels in police custody. It is pertinent to note here that the creation of LASTMA STM was a strategy adopted to increase voluntary assistance for authorised traffic personnel in traffic management, as the operational guideline of the STMs does not authourise them to apprehend traffic offenders,” the statement said.
However, LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Bolaji Oreagba noted that, not too long ago, the agency discovered a fake online publication soliciting for membership and training as a Special Traffic Mayor for a fee.
He said the agency promptly responded and debunked the publication via a press statement and on the electronic media.
He also promised that the culprits will be prosecuted to serve as deterrent to others with similar intentions.
Oreagba, hereby, enjoined the public to always say something when they see something instead of attacking government officials carrying out their lawful duties.
“This is because fellow logistics motorcycle riders were already gathering at the spot of the incidence, in order to launch an attack on LASTMA officials,” he said.
He also added that what the agency was advocating for is voluntary compliance.