Man, 20, Poses As Military Officer & Batters 3 LASTMA Officers On Highway 

MICHAEL AKINOLA 

Three LASTMA officers are nursing their wounds after they were brutally attacked and injured by a 20-year old man, Aghaji Kenechukwu Henry, who posed as a military officer while the officers were trying to stop his vehicle on the highway in Lagos State. 

P.M.EXPRESS reports that the victims included a female Chief Traffic Officer, Abe Adebisi Olanike, the Deputy Chief traffic officer, Adebanjo Paul and one Bakare Oladipo, who were said to be receiving treatment over the beatings they received from Henry.

The incident happened on 24th May, 2024, at Owode Onirin area of Lagos, where the victims went to perform their lawful duty on the highway.

The suspect, Henry, was one of the traffic offenders apprehended by the victims while on duty and they had a nasty experience as they were assaulted and got injured in the process.

Before the victims realized that Henry was a fake Navy officer, they have received serious beatings and sustained injuries because they were afraid not to fight back believing that he was an officer before he was exposed by the Police.

Trouble started for the LASTMA officers when they reportedly accosted a vehicle, where Henry who wore Military camouflage uniform, was inside for contravening traffic law. They wanted to impound the vehicle and take it to their office.

There was altercation between Henry and the officers, who insisted on impounding the vehicle. It resulted to a physical fight and in the process, Henry displayed his prowess by attacking and breaking the heads of Olanike and Paul while injuring Oladipo.

It took the intervention of the Police who rescued the officers and arrested Henry. He was detained at the station for interrogation over his alleged conduct.

During interrogation, it was discovered that Henry was not a Naval officer, which he claimed to be. But by then, he had already assaulted the LASTMA officers, who were afraid to fight back because he was a Navy officer.

The Police found him culpable and consequently charged him before the Ogba Magistrate Court for impersonation and assault on the officers.

However,  he pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, Mr Christopher John, then asked the Court to give a date for hearing since he pleaded not guilty to enable the Police to prove that he actually committed the alleged offence by bringing witnesses to testify against him.

The Presiding Magistrate, O.O. Taylor, granted him bail with sureties, who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment while addresses will be verified by the Court.

The matter was adjourned for mention while the defendant was remanded in custody at the correctional center at Kirikiri town, Lagos, pending when he will perfect his bail conditions.