LASTMA NABS IMPERSONATOR FOR EXTORTING N140,000 FROM OWNERS OF IMPOUNDED VEHICLES 

  
Operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) have apprehended an alleged impersonator after collecting N140,000 from owners of vehicles impounded for traffic infractions by the Agency.

The Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Mr. Adebayo Taofiq confirmed that the suspect was apprehended by the monitoring and surveillance team of the Agency at Oshodi. 

The suspect was apprehended after the Agency received complaints of extortions from owners of inter-state commercial buses impounded and ticketed for traffic infractions around Moshalasi by Alaka Area of Surulere. 

Investigations conducted revealed that the alleged impersonator Femi Adegbemi, has been collecting huge amounts of money from innocent owners of vehicles impounded by Lastma Officials during enforcement operations. 

Meanwhile, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki has warned the general public to be wary of unscrupulous persons, stating that the Agency operates a cashless policy as any violator apprehended is charged to the Court via a ‘Referral Notice’ issued to them. 

He confirmed that more surveillance/monitoring personnel have been strategically deployed to hunt for these unscrupulous elements duping innocent motoring public in the State. 

The suspect, Mr. Femi Adegbemi (56 yrs) confessed to having collected N140,000 from owners of these impounded interstate commercial vehicles. 

Mr. Adegbemi (suspect), who lives at No. 9, Anifowose Street, Somolu, confessed that he makes an average of N250,000 weekly from illegal operations with other members of his gang.

The Director, Legal Department (Lastma) Barr. Akerele Kehinde has disclosed that the arrested suspect would be charged to Court to serve as a deterrent to others.