47- year-old fake LASTMA official remanded in Lagos

A 47-year-old man, Adetayo Adewodun, has been remanded in prison for allegedly impersonating an official of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).

Adewodun was recently arrested in the Itire area of Lagos after he and two others, who are currently on the run, allegedly extorted ₦7,800 from a driver.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges filed against him by the Lagos State Government and was granted bail, but remains in custody pending the perfection of his bail conditions.

He was arraigned on a two-count charge of conduct likely to cause a breach of peace and impersonation.

It was recalled that Adewodun was arrested by LASTMA operatives on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, during an operation carried out by the agency’s Surveillance and Intelligence Unit under the directive of the General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki.

According to LASTMA, “The suspect, in concert with two other accomplices now at large, accosted one Mr. Ayano Stephen, the driver of a white Hilux vehicle (registration number GME 259 TE) for allegedly making an unlawful turn around Itire Junction.

Posing as a bona fide LASTMA operative, Mr. Adewodun deceitfully demanded the sum of ₦80,000 as a purported penalty for the alleged traffic infraction.”

The traffic agency also added that “The unsuspecting motorist eventually parted with ₦7,800, the only cash in his possession, which he reluctantly handed over to the impostor.”

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the arraignment and remand of the suspect as a welcome development, saying justice must take its due course.

He noted that the court’s action would serve as a deterrent to others who impersonate LASTMA officers to defraud members of the public.

Bakare-Oki further reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to maintaining order and discipline on Lagos roads while protecting law-abiding citizens from fraudulent activities.