A 47-year old man, Adetayo Adewodun, who recruited himself as an officer of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), and using same to extort N65,000 daily from motorists on the highway, has been arrested in Lagos State.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the suspect, Adewodun, was apprehended after extorting N7,800 from an unsuspecting driver around the Itire junction axis of Lagos.
He is facing the charges for impersonation and extortion under the Criminal Law of the State and currently undergoing further interrogation over his alleged conduct against motorists and LASTMA.
This was disclosed by LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs, Taofiq Adebayo, who said that the suspect was arrested shortly after extorting N7,800 from an unsuspecting driver around the Itire junction axis of Lagos.
“The incident began when Mr. Adewodun accosted Mr. Ayano Stephen, the driver of a white Hilux, for allegedly making an unlawful turn. Posing as a LASTMA operative, the impostor deceitfully demanded an outrageous penalty of N80,000.”
“Unable to meet the demand, Mr. Stephen parted with the only cash he had, a sum of N7, 800.”
“The motorist grew suspicious of the man’s demeanor and promptly contacted the Agency’s toll-free hotline for verification. Acting on the distress report, LASTMA’s Surveillance and Intelligence Unit, under the directive of general manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, mobilised immediately.”
The suspect attempted to flee upon sighting the team but was swiftly apprehended and taken to the LASTMA headquarters in Oshodi for questioning.
During interrogation, Mr. Adewodun confessed to being a member of a three-man criminal syndicate that routinely posed as LASTMA personnel around Itire to extort motorists.
He revealed that the gang operates across various road intersections and makes an average of N65, 000 daily through their nefarious activities.
Mr. Bakare-Oki commended the motorist’s vigilance and prompt report, adding that it was a clear demonstration of civic responsibility. He reaffirmed the agency’s zero-tolerance policy towards impersonation and fraudulent practices.
“I can assure the public that the suspect will be arraigned before a mobile court to serve as a deterrent to other unscrupulous elements, who habitually disguise themselves as LASTMA officials to extort innocent members of the public,” the general manager stated.