A 45-year-old man, Adewunmi Taiwo, has allegedly confessed to making between N15,000 and N25,000 daily by impersonating a LASTMA (Lagos State Traffic Management Authority) official. Taiwo, a father of three, was apprehended while conducting unauthorized operations on Oshodi Bridge in Lagos, where he is accused of using his LASTMA disguise to intimidate and extort both commercial and private motorists.
The LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued in Lagos on Friday. According to Bakare-Oki, the arrest was part of an operation led by LASTMA’s Surveillance and Monitoring Unit, following multiple complaints linking Taiwo’s vehicle, a white Hiace Coaster bus with plate number KJA 724 YJ, to extortion activities in the area.
The LASTMA statement, signed by the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Taofiq Adebayo, indicated that a search of Taiwo’s vehicle revealed a complete LASTMA uniform, including a branded raincoat, which he allegedly used to deceive unsuspecting motorists. Taiwo, originally from Ilesha in Osun State, confessed to targeting high-traffic routes, including Ikorodu Road and the Oshodi to Mile 2 Expressway, where he posed as an enforcement officer to harass drivers.
READ ALSO: JOHESU Declares Seven-Day Warning Strike Over Unresolved Welfare Issues in Nigeria’s Health Sector
“This individual’s activities have been causing distress among Lagos motorists,” said Bakare-Oki. “His arrest underscores LASTMA’s commitment to preserving the agency’s integrity. We are issuing a strong warning to anyone attempting to misuse our identity for illegal gain; we will take legal action to safeguard our reputation and the trust of Lagos residents.”
