14 LASTMA officers caught in extortion face trial

No fewer than 14 personnel of the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) are to face a disciplinary panel for various official infractions, especially extortion.

The affected personnel – 11 senior and three junior LASTMA officers – were allegedly caught at different locations across the state extorting money (bribes) from motorists.

LASTMA’s General Manager, Mr. Bolaji Oreagba, disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen on Monday, October 23 by its Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Taofiq Adebayo.

Oreagba said the affected personnel would be made to appear before disciplinary panels over alleged extortion and high-handedness in line with the extant rules and regulations of the state.

Oreagba disclosed that these affected officers whose cases had been investigated would be facing a government disciplinary committee known as the Personnel Management Board (PMB) Discipline.

He said that the PMB would adjudicate over their cases in line with the public service rules.

Oreagba said: “These 14 male officers were caught at different locations across the state extorting money (bribes) from motorists.

“The agency will continue to mete out stiffer and severe punishment on erring officers and men in its effort to rid the agency of a few bad elements tarnishing its image.

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“I urge residents, especially the motoring public, to support us by promptly reporting any errant officers at the nearest LASTMA offices or use any of the agency’s complaints hotlines (08100565860, 08129928503, 08129928515 & 08129928597) with proof of evidence.”

The general manager advised all officers of the agency to always carry out their duties without fear or favour in accordance with the stipulated laws guiding the authority.

He stressed that any operative caught in the process of bringing the agency or the government into disrepute would be made to face the consequence.

Oreagba commended LASTMA officials for their dedication, dutifulness, diligence and professionalism.

He, however, warned the motoring public to desist from inducing traffic personnel with monetary gratification to avoid being prosecuted “as the law frowns on both the giver and the receiver in the circumstance.”

The general manager urged the general public to reach out to LASTMA for complaints/inquiries via these social media handles (Instagram – ekolastma), (Twitter ‘X’ – @followlastma), (Facebook – ekolastma) and (Youtube -LASTMA TV).

The Star