TWO LASTMA OFFICERS PARADE FOR ALLEGED EXTORTION IN LAGOS

Lagosians were on Friday paraded two Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officers for receiving gratification from a traffic offender. 

The government has instructed the public to expose any bad behavior exhibited from any government officials. 

The Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat was able to discovered that the two officers collected gratification from the offender which they admitted but said it was an appreciation money.

He said: “These two officials allegedly extorted money from an offender whose lawyer sent a petition to us. We have listened to their stories, but we are not convinced by their defence. 

“For further action, the two officers have been referred to LASTMA for further investigation and possible disciplinary actions. The law must take its course. This effort is to inform members of the public that LASTMA is created to make life easy for all of us.

“In carrying out their statutory duties, no agency of government is allowed to harass citizens. We advise residents not to pay penalty into personal bank accounts of government officials. LASTMA and other agencies have their direct lines to lodge complaints. 

“This administration will ensure people live peacefully in Lagos. We are not out to harass anybody. These two LASTMA officers will receive disciplinary actions if found guilty. They will be given fair hearing to prove their case, but if found guilty, the law would take its course.”

The General Manager, LASTMA, Mr. Wale Musa, had also warned officers against extortion. 

He said: “No LASTMA officer has right to issue penalty ticket. We are ready to discipline erring officers. If they misbehave, the law will deal with them. The public should report any officer through designated numbers published on our website. We don’t condone indiscipline. The way we penalise violators of traffic laws is the way we will deal with our officers too.”