LASTMA arrests dismissed official for impersonation

A  dismissed official of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has been arrested by the provost unit of the agency for operating illegally and parading himself as an official of LASTMA.

A statement by the agency’s spokesperson, Bola Ajao, said the 40-year-old Muhamed Ibrahim, a native of Abeokuta, Ogun State, who was dismissed on the grounds of misconduct in March, 2013, was arrested on Sunday by the provost unit of the agency at Mile 2.

Aja said, “Following his dismissal and his refusal to collect and sign for the dismissed letter, the management, in accordance with international practice, sent the letter through DHL to his known and registered address at number 17, Egan road, Igando.

However, Ajao said the letter was returned to the agency because the courier could not locate the address.

She said shortly after Ibrahim’s dismissal, the agency started receiving several complaints about a LASTMA official, who extort money from innocent motorists at different locations in the state.

She said, “The provost received a tip-off from motorists on a LASTMA official, who operates in mufti and arrests indiscriminately. Surveillance flash was placed on him and he was eventually arrested wearing the crested vest of the agency.

“Ibrahim, who incited the mob against the provost team before he was overpowered, later collected his dismissal letter.

“The agency has however mandated him to hand over other kits belonging to the agency. He was eventually handed over to the police for further investigation.”

The spokesperson said the agency said it had put a lot of measures in place to counter any act of impersonation or sabotage and ensure the interests of the citizenry are protected.

Ajao said, “LASTMA does not operate in mufti and members of the public should be wary of such persons and quickly call the attention of the agency. As LASTMA respects your rights, Lagos motorists must also respect law and the rights of other road users.”

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