A man posing as an officer with the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has been arrested, confessing to earning an astonishing ₦750,000 each month by extorting motorists on busy Lagos roads.
The suspect, 45-year-old Adewunmi Taiwo, was caught by LASTMA operatives on the Oshodi Bridge, where he had been impersonating an officer for several months.
Taiwo, who hails from Ilesha in Osun State, admitted during interrogation that he targeted commercial and private motorists who were unaware of his fraudulent operations.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) disclosed shocking details about the arrest.
“Fake LASTMA Uniform and Fake Identity”
LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, explained that Taiwo operated using a white Hiace Coaster Bus, bearing the registration number KJA 724 YJ.
He said the vehicle had been reported numerous times by drivers who suspected extortion attempts along key Lagos routes, especially on Ikorodu Road and the Oshodi to Mile-2 Expressway.
“Upon a thorough search of his vehicle, we found an official LASTMA uniform, including a branded raincoat, hidden inside,” said Bakare-Oki.
“This discovery confirmed that Taiwo was indeed posing as one of our officers and using the uniform to deceive and intimidate drivers for his own gain.”
Bakare-Oki revealed that Taiwo confessed to earning between ₦15,000 and ₦25,000 each day by targeting unsuspecting drivers and demanding bribes for various alleged traffic infractions.
In total, Taiwo earned around ₦750,000 monthly – an amount that has raised serious concerns among both motorists and traffic officials.
Targeting Busy Routes for Fast Cash
Taiwo allegedly used the busiest routes in Lagos to carry out his scheme, preying on motorists who feared fines or towing fees for supposed traffic offenses.
By focusing on high-traffic areas like Ikorodu Road, he reportedly flagged down vehicles, threatening drivers with penalties if they did not comply with his demands.
Some drivers, unfamiliar with LASTMA’s protocols, would pay the fines out of fear, believing Taiwo to be a legitimate LASTMA officer.
This tactic proved lucrative, with the suspect admitting to a daily income equivalent to that of some high-earning professionals in Lagos.
LASTMA’s Determined Response to Impersonation
Reacting to the incident, Mr. Bakare-Oki assured the public that LASTMA is committed to transparency and ensuring that officers uphold high standards of integrity.
He emphasized that this impersonation had been under investigation by LASTMA’s Surveillance and Monitoring Unit, after several reports identified Taiwo’s white Hiace bus as a vehicle used in extortion attempts.
“We are unwavering in our commitment to uphold LASTMA’s integrity and professionalism,” Bakare-Oki stated.
“This arrest shows that any attempt to tarnish the agency’s reputation will be met with the full force of the law.”
Public Call for Vigilance
LASTMA is now calling on the public to report any suspicious behavior by individuals posing as LASTMA officers.
In a bid to curb similar incidents, LASTMA has provided a toll-free hotline, 080000527862, for citizens to report suspected extortion and questionable activity.
“We encourage motorists to use the toll-free hotlines and notify us of any officers or individuals who might be attempting unauthorized actions,” Bakare-Oki said.
A Warning for Impersonators
Bakare-Oki also issued a stern warning to anyone attempting to use LASTMA’s identity for personal gain, promising that the law will deal swiftly with impostors.
He reassured Lagos residents that LASTMA is intensifying its enforcement efforts to ensure that legitimate officers are clearly identified and that illegal practices are eliminated.
Taiwo’s case will now be handled in court, and LASTMA has assured the public that all necessary legal steps will be taken.
Motorists Share Experiences and Frustrations
The arrest of Taiwo has sparked reactions from Lagos motorists, many of whom have expressed relief at the crackdown on impersonators.
Several drivers shared their experiences with fake LASTMA officers on social media, with one motorist describing how he was once coerced into paying an unreceipted fine to a similar impostor.
“He had the LASTMA uniform and even waved a traffic book,” the motorist recounted.
“When I got suspicious and asked for a proper ID, he became aggressive, so I paid just to avoid trouble.”
Another driver said, “These fake officers are giving the real LASTMA officers a bad name. We can’t tell who is who anymore.”
A Growing Concern in Lagos
Traffic management impersonators have been a growing issue in Lagos, where busy roads and a complex traffic system have made it easy for fraudsters to exploit motorists.
LASTMA’s renewed commitment to addressing these crimes is a welcome relief to many Lagos residents, who have voiced concerns about the impact of impostors on public trust.
This arrest follows recent efforts by Lagos State officials to crack down on impersonation across various agencies, with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu emphasizing the need for public confidence in the state’s enforcement agencies.
The Future of Traffic Enforcement
LASTMA’s General Manager emphasized that the agency will continue to work with law enforcement to identify and prosecute impersonators, ensuring that only authorized officers manage traffic in the city.
The agency also announced plans to introduce more visible identification measures for legitimate LASTMA personnel to help the public distinguish between real and fake officers.
With such measures, LASTMA hopes to protect the integrity of its officers and improve trust among Lagos motorists.
A Cautionary Tale for Impersonators
As Taiwo faces prosecution, his case serves as a cautionary tale for others seeking to exploit Lagosians by posing as officials.
Bakare-Oki closed his statement by reminding Lagos residents to stay vigilant, use LASTMA’s hotline when in doubt, and report any suspicious activity to protect themselves from impostors.
