A 32-year-old man, Adetayo Adewodun, has been arrested by operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) for allegedly impersonating a traffic officer and extorting unsuspecting motorists in the Itire area of Lagos State.
The arrest was confirmed in a statement issued on Wednesday by LASTMA spokesperson, Taofeek Adebayo, and obtained by PUNCH Metro.
According to Adebayo, Adewodun, who posed as a LASTMA officer, accosted one Ayano Stephen, the driver of a white Hilux vehicle (registration number GME 259 TE) belonging to a construction firm, for allegedly making an illegal turn at Itire Junction.
The suspect reportedly demanded ₦80,000 as a supposed penalty for the traffic violation. Unable to meet the demand, the motorist pleaded and eventually gave the impersonator ₦7,800 — the only cash in his possession.
“However, shortly after the transaction, the motorist became suspicious of the suspect’s demeanor and promptly contacted the Agency through its toll-free hotline (0800-00-LASTMA / 0800-005-27862) to verify the authenticity of the alleged officer,” the statement read.
Responding swiftly, LASTMA’s Surveillance and Intelligence Unit, acting on the directive of the General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, mobilised to the scene. On sighting the approaching team, the suspect reportedly attempted to flee but was apprehended and taken to the agency’s headquarters for interrogation.
During questioning, Adewodun allegedly confessed to being part of a three-man criminal syndicate that routinely disguised as LASTMA officials to extort motorists across several intersections in the Itire area. He also revealed that the gang made an average of ₦65,000 daily from their illegal operations.
Commending the vigilance of the motorist, Bakare-Oki described the prompt report as an act of civic responsibility, reiterating LASTMA’s zero-tolerance stance against impersonation and corruption.
“This incident underscores our unwavering commitment to integrity, professionalism, and transparency in traffic management operations across Lagos State,” he said.
He advised motorists to remain alert and report any suspicious enforcement activity or impersonation attempts through LASTMA’s verified communication channels — especially its toll-free emergency number (080000527862) — assuring that such reports would receive immediate and decisive action.
Bakare-Oki further emphasized that authentic LASTMA officers can be easily identified by their official uniforms, personalized name tags, and service identification numbers.
The agency confirmed that the suspect would be arraigned before a Mobile Court, where he will face prosecution for impersonation and extortion, to serve as a deterrent to others engaging in similar fraudulent acts.
The development comes amid growing public concern over the activities of fake enforcement agents posing as government officials to extort money from motorists in Lagos.
In 2024, PUNCH Metro reported a similar case involving Adewonmi Taiwo, a 45-year-old man who was arrested for impersonating a LASTMA officer and extorting motorists.
