LASPA Officials Escape Lynching By Residents Over Parking Space Permit

MICHAEL AKINOLA 

Some officials of the Lagos State Parking Authority, LASPA, are currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital following an attack by residents during a routine compliance exercise on commercial establishments in Ajah and Epe areas of the State.

P.M.EXPRESS reports that following the attack, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, has ordered for the arrest of seven suspects in connection with a violent attack on LASPA Officials, which left the victims badly injured in the process.

The incident happened at Better Mart on Badore Road, Off Addo Road, Ajah, and at Ashley Mall in Epe, which saw LASPA staff assaulted by staff and security personnel of the mentioned establishments.

According to the Police, the officials were reportedly on official duty, monitoring parking compliance in line with state regulations when they were attacked and injured.

This was disclosed by the LASPA General Manager, Mrs. Adebisi Adelabu, who confirmed that the attack left some government staff injured and disrupted lawful government activities.

The arrested suspects are currently being held at the Badore Police Station in Lekki as Police complete preliminary investigations ahead of prosecution.

Mrs. Adelabu condemned the incident, stating that the Lagos State Government would not tolerate any form of assault or obstruction against its officials. She warned that perpetrators of such acts will face the full wrath of the law.

Quoting the Criminal Law of Lagos State, Chapter C17, Laws of Lagos State 2015, Adelabu reminded the public that obstructing a public officer in the course of official duty is a felony, punishable by up to three years in prison or a fine of N200,000.

She also emphasised the importance of organisations and commercial centres obtaining appropriate parking permits from LASPA.

Mrs. Adelabu issued a strong warning to landlords and tenants of premises where attacks against government officials occur, stating that they too may face consequences under the law.

“The State Parking Regulations requires that every organization and commercial centres should secure parking permits from LASPA for proper parking management noting that the Agency’s team were out on a routine exercise to check compliance when they were attacked which resulted in the Injury of officials of the State Government.”

“Any further attack on LASPA officials or any government official will attract appropriate punishment not just to the perpetrators but also the Landlords/Tenants of wherever such acts were committed” she stated.