A Mobile Magistrate Court sitting in the Oshodi area of Lagos State has ordered the remand of one Adetayo Adewodun, who is facing trial for allegedly impersonating an official of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and engaging in conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
LASTMA spokesperson, Adebayo Taofiq, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.
Adewodun was arrested after allegedly posing as a LASTMA officer to extort ₦7,800 from a motorist at Itire Junction. The suspect reportedly stopped one Ayano Stephen, who was driving a white Hilux vehicle with registration number GME 259 TE, and accused him of making an unlawful turn. Pretending to be a LASTMA operative, Adewodun allegedly demanded ₦80,000 as a “penalty” for the supposed offence before collecting a smaller amount.
Giving an update on the case, Taofiq confirmed that Adewodun had been arraigned before the Lagos Mobile Court on a two-count charge of impersonation and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
“The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges and was ordered to be remanded in a correctional facility pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions,” the statement read, adding that the case was adjourned for further hearing.
Reacting to the court proceedings, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said justice would be pursued to its logical conclusion, stressing that the prosecution should serve as a deterrent to others who may attempt to impersonate the agency’s officers.
He reiterated LASTMA’s commitment to maintaining order, discipline, and sanity on Lagos roads while protecting law-abiding motorists from fraudulent individuals posing as traffic officials.
This incident adds to a growing list of cases involving individuals impersonating LASTMA officers to extort unsuspecting motorists in Lagos State.
