A 45-year-old man, identified as Adetayo Adewodun, has been remanded by a Mobile Court for impersonating officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, and allegedly extorting motorists around the Itire Junction area of Lagos.
Adewodun, who was said to be making as much as N65,000 daily through the illegal activity, was arraigned on a two-count charge of impersonation and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him by the Lagos State Government and was consequently ordered to be remanded in a correctional facility pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions. The case was adjourned for further hearing.
The suspect was arrested two days earlier by LASTMA’s Surveillance and Intelligence Unit during a coordinated enforcement operation ordered by the agency’s General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki.
Investigations revealed that Adewodun, alongside two accomplices still at large, intercepted a motorist, identified as Ayano Stephen, who was driving a white Hilux (registration number GME 259 TE). Posing as a LASTMA officer, the suspect accused the driver of making an illegal turn and demanded N80,000 as a supposed fine.
The victim reportedly handed over N7,800, the only cash he had, before the suspect was apprehended.
Reacting to the development, Bakare-Oki praised the swift judicial action, describing the remand order as “a welcome and commendable step toward ensuring justice.”
He said the move would serve as a deterrent to others who impersonate traffic officials to extort unsuspecting motorists, reaffirming LASTMA’s commitment to maintaining order and discipline across Lagos roads while safeguarding law-abiding citizens from exploitation and harassment.
