Operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) have apprehended one Femi Adegbemi, a serial impersonator of the agency after collecting N140,000 from owners of vehicles impounded for traffic infractions by the Agency.
The Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq confirmed that the suspect was apprehended after the agency received complaints of extortions from owners of inter-state commercial buses impounded and ticketed for traffic infractions around Moshalasi by Alaka area of Surulere.
According to Taofiq, investigations conducted revealed that the suspects collects N140,000 from owners or drivers, promising to help them get their impounded vehicles released from the custody of the agency.
The suspect also confessed to making average of N250,000 on weekly basis from the illegal deal with his colleagues, promising to turn a new leaf if left off the hook by Government.
Meanwhile, the Director, Legal Department (Lastma), Akerele Kehinde disclosed that the arrested suspect would be immediately charged to court to serve as deterrent to others.
Reacting to the arrest, the general manager of LASTMA, Bakare-Oki Olalekan warned the general public to be wary of such unscrupulous elements stating that the agency operates a cashless policy as violators apprehended are charged to Court via a ‘Referral Notice’ issued to them.
He confirmed that more surveillance/monitoring personnel have been strategically deployed to hunt for imposters duping innocent motoring public across the State.
