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Tag: LASTMA

  • LASTMA nabs 47-year-old impostor for extorting motorist in Lagos

    LASTMA nabs 47-year-old impostor for extorting motorist in Lagos

    The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has arrested a 47-year-old man, Adetayo Adewodun, for impersonating a LASTMA officer and extorting money from a motorist at Itire Junction in Lagos State.

    According to a statement issued by Adebayo Taofiq, Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment at LASTMA, the incident occurred on Tuesday.

    Preliminary investigations showed that Adewodun stopped one Mr. Ayano Stephen, driver of a white Hilux vehicle (registration number GME 259 TE) belonging to a construction firm, accusing him of making an unlawful turn.

    Pretending to be a LASTMA operative, the suspect demanded ₦80,000 as a penalty for the alleged offence. Unable to pay the full amount, Stephen pleaded and eventually handed over ₦7,800—the only cash he had on him—to the fake officer.

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    Stephen later became suspicious of the man’s conduct and contacted LASTMA through its toll-free hotline to verify his identity. Acting promptly on the report, the agency’s Surveillance and Intelligence Unit, under the directive of General Manager Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, mobilised to the location.

    On sighting the enforcement team, Adewodun attempted to flee but was pursued, arrested, and taken to LASTMA’s headquarters in Oshodi for interrogation.

    During questioning, Adewodun confessed to being part of a three-man syndicate that frequently poses as LASTMA officials to extort unsuspecting motorists around the Itire area and other parts of Lagos. He revealed that the group makes an average of ₦65,000 daily from such fraudulent activities.

    Commending the motorist for his vigilance, Mr. Bakare-Oki described the report as an act of civic responsibility. He reaffirmed LASTMA’s commitment to integrity, professionalism, and transparency, emphasizing that the agency maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward impersonation and extortion.

    “All authentic LASTMA officers can be easily identified by their official uniforms, personalized name tags, and service identification numbers,” Bakare-Oki stated.

    He urged motorists to remain alert and report suspicious activities through the agency’s verified communication channels, including its toll-free emergency line (080000527862).

    Mr. Bakare-Oki assured that the suspect would be arraigned before a Mobile Court to serve as a deterrent to others engaging in similar criminal acts.

    He reiterated that LASTMA remains resolute in ensuring order, discipline, and sanity on Lagos roads while protecting law-abiding motorists from fraudulent exploitation.

  • LASTMA warns transport unions against using stickers as vehicle registration numbers

    LASTMA warns transport unions against using stickers as vehicle registration numbers

    The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has warned transport unions and their affiliates against using “Union Stickers” in place of official vehicle registration numbers.

    LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the practice as illegal, stressing that it undermines the state’s security framework and poses serious risks to public safety.

    He noted that affixing such stickers instead of government-approved number plates violates regulatory laws, compromises effective law enforcement, and weakens traffic management efforts across Lagos.

    “This practice is a clear breach of the law and will not be tolerated. Any vehicle found operating with ‘Union Sticker’ identifiers or similar unauthorised symbols will be impounded immediately, and offenders will face the full weight of the law,” Bakare-Oki declared.

    The LASTMA boss assured that the agency, in collaboration with security agencies, will intensify surveillance across major roads to curb the menace. 

    He emphasised that only vehicles duly registered with constitutionally empowered government bodies are permitted to operate on Lagos roads.

    While urging transport unions to comply with statutory requirements, Bakare-Oki pointed out that adherence to official registration protocols goes beyond administrative procedure. According to him, it is an essential safeguard for the security and well-being of residents.

    He further appealed for cooperation from all stakeholders, adding that the Lagos State Government remains committed to sanitising the transport sector through strict enforcement of traffic regulations.

    “The government will continue to implement decisive measures to protect lives, secure property, and uphold the integrity of traffic management in the state,” he said.

    The directive comes amid concerns over the proliferation of unauthorised identifiers on Lagos roads, a development authorities say threatens orderliness and security in the transport sector.

  • LASTMA nabs hit-and-run driver after Ogudu flyover accident

    LASTMA nabs hit-and-run driver after Ogudu flyover accident

    The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) on Sunday apprehended the driver of a Nissan Jeep who attempted to flee after allegedly knocking down a pedestrian in a reckless driving incident along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, shortly after the Ogudu flyover inward Ifako.

    According to official statements, the vehicle, with registration number KJA 354 ET, was travelling at high speed when the driver tried to outmanoeuvre a fully loaded 40-foot articulated truck.

    The dangerous manoeuvre caused the driver to lose control, ramming into a pedestrian before veering into the expressway’s central median.

    Instead of stopping to help the victim, the motorist reportedly attempted to escape.

    LASTMA officers deployed in the area gave chase and successfully intercepted the suspect. The injured pedestrian was simultaneously rescued and rushed for emergency medical attention.

    Confirming the incident, LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq, said the suspect was immediately handed over to the Ogudu Police Division for further investigation. The damaged vehicle was also evacuated to the station.

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    Despite the accident occurring close to ongoing rehabilitation works around the Ogudu–Ifako bridge intersections, LASTMA officials said they swiftly managed traffic flow to prevent gridlock or further crashes.

    The agency’s General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, commended his officers for their professionalism and quick response.

    He also issued a stern warning to motorists against excessive speeding and reckless overtaking, stressing that such actions endanger not only drivers but also pedestrians and other road users.

    “Motorists must exercise caution and ensure roads are clear before attempting to overtake or divert. Safety must remain paramount on our highways,” he said.

    LASTMA reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives, enforcing traffic discipline, and maintaining order on Lagos roads.

  • LASTMA refutes viral video claiming approval of BRT lane use at Idi-Iroko

    LASTMA refutes viral video claiming approval of BRT lane use at Idi-Iroko

    The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has strongly denied allegations circulating in a viral video suggesting that motorists were permitted to drive on the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor from Ojota through Idi-Iroko, inward Anthony, Lagos.

    The video, shared on Facebook by a group identified as Lagos Reporters, featured a voice claiming that motorists had been instructed to ply the restricted BRT lane, while accusing LASTMA operatives of unjustly apprehending offenders along the route.

    In a statement issued on Thursday, LASTMA described the claim as “mendacious, fabricated, and devoid of merit.”

    According to the Authority, the Lagos State Government had only granted temporary approval for motorists to use the BRT corridor at Odo-Iya Alaro and Eko Bridge as part of measures to ease congestion caused by the ongoing expansion joint repairs at the Ifako-Ogudu Bridge, inbound Lagos.

    “No dispensation whatsoever has been granted for motorists to exploit the BRT corridor at Idi-Iroko inward Anthony, or indeed at any other segment of the Ikorodu Road axis beyond the expressly designated relief points,” the statement read.

    LASTMA further revealed that an internal inquiry confirmed no officer of the Authority issued directives authorizing motorists to encroach on the corridor from Ojota. 

    Read Also: LASTMA boss commends motorists, residents over traffic diversions at Ogudu–Ifako Bridge

    The agency also released visual evidence indicating that traffic was free-flowing on the main carriageway at Idi-Iroko at the time of the alleged incident, contradicting the viral claim.

    Reaffirming its mandate, the traffic management body warned motorists against spreading false information and reminded them that violators who illegally encroach on BRT lanes would face full legal sanctions.

    “The BRT corridors are integral to the efficient functioning of mass transit within the state, and their sanctity will be preserved,” the agency stressed.

    LASTMA also assured that rehabilitation work at the Ifako-Ogudu Bridge is being expedited and that temporary traffic relief measures would be lifted once the project is completed.

    The agency urged the public to rely only on verified sources for traffic information, directing inquiries to its toll-free hotline (080000527862), while cautioning against reliance on unverified social media narratives.

  • LASTMA boss commends motorists, residents over traffic diversions at Ogudu–Ifako Bridge

    LASTMA boss commends motorists, residents over traffic diversions at Ogudu–Ifako Bridge

    The General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, has praised motorists and residents for their patience and cooperation amid traffic diversions caused by the ongoing rehabilitation of the Ogudu–Ifako Bridge.

    Bakare-Oki, who visited the site at Ifako on Wednesday, acknowledged the inconveniences road users have endured but stressed that the project is vital to safeguarding lives and improving the structural integrity of the bridge.

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    “I deeply empathise with our people over the inconveniences engendered by this diversionary arrangement. Nonetheless, this rehabilitation remains an indispensable undertaking of government imperative to safeguard lives, fortify the structural integrity of the bridge, and elevate the commuting experience along this vital transportation artery,” he said.

    He assured Lagosians that the project is being carried out under strict international standards and will be completed within the timeframe earlier announced by the state government.

    The LASTMA boss also commended residents for their discipline and resilience in adapting to diversionary measures, describing it as a reflection of the collective spirit of Lagosians.

    Bakare-Oki further lauded the efforts of LASTMA personnel manning the affected routes, noting that no negative reports had been received about their conduct.

    He reiterated that officers remain fully deployed to manage congestion, guide motorists, and provide real-time interventions during the rehabilitation.

  • One dead, two injured in Ikorodu road accident — LASTMA

    One dead, two injured in Ikorodu road accident — LASTMA

    The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed that a tragic accident at Idi-Iroko inward Ogolonto on Ikorodu Road claimed the life of one passenger and left two others seriously injured on Tuesday.

    According to reports, a fully loaded commercial Mazda bus (LND 490 SD) collided with a fast-moving articulated truck (EKY 121 YJ) while attempting to outmaneuver traffic along the Agric axis.

    In the impact, a passenger sitting at the bus doorway was flung out and crushed under the truck’s rear tyres, dying instantly.

    LASTMA officials rescued two other victims—a man and a woman—who sustained severe injuries and were rushed by the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) to Ikorodu General Hospital for treatment.

    Read Also: LASTMA contains tanker fire in Lagos

    The deceased’s remains were released to his family by police officers, while operatives of LASTMA and Owutu Police Division provided security during the rescue and evacuation. Both vehicles were later cleared to ease traffic congestion.

    LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, commiserated with the bereaved family and urged motorists to drive cautiously, especially along high-density corridors like Ikorodu Road.

    “We enjoin all motorists to embrace circumspection, restraint, and civic duty when plying the highways,” Bakare-Oki said.

    LASTMA reminded the public that emergencies can be promptly reported through its toll-free hotline: 080000527862.

  • LASTMA contains tanker fire in Lagos

    LASTMA contains tanker fire in Lagos

    The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) yesterday contained a petroleum tanker fire at Iyana-Isolo on the Mile Two 2-Oshodi Expressway, preventing what could have been a larger calamity.

    The tanker, which was laden with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), overturned while in motion and burst into flames, spreading to at least four other trucks parked in the area.

    Preliminary findings indicated that the incident was triggered by excessive speeding, which caused the driver to lose control while negotiating the inward Oshodi corridor.

    In a coordinated emergency response, LASTMA operatives under the supervision of the agency’s command mobilised allied responders, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, police divisions from Aswani, Ilasa and Mushin, and the Neighbourhood Safety Corps. Their joint efforts brought the blaze under control and prevented it from escalating into a wider disaster.

    General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said more operatives from adjoining zones were deployed in reinforcing the containment. He expressed relief that no life was lost, attributing it to the agency’s timely cordoning off of the affected corridor and restriction of vehicular movement from Ilasa inward Oshodi.

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    Bakare-Oki cautioned drivers of articulated vehicles, fuel tankers and other heavy-duty trucks to obey speed limits.

    “Operators must strictly comply with statutory speed limits as indicated on Lagos State Government road signages. This is non-negotiable for the preservation of lives, protection of property and safety across our transport corridors,” he said.

    He also urged the public to make use of LASTMA’s toll-free hotline to report emergencies promptly, assuring that the agency is always prepared to respond.

    Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Mr. Adebayo Taofiq, reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to public safety and orderly traffic management across Lagos.

  • LASTMA averts disaster as tanker fire engulfs trucks in Iyana-Isolo

    LASTMA averts disaster as tanker fire engulfs trucks in Iyana-Isolo

    A major tragedy was narrowly avoided in Lagos on Sunday after a petroleum tanker carrying Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) overturned and went up in flames at Iyana-Isolo, inward Oshodi.

    The incident sparked a fierce fire that spread to at least four parked trucks in the area. Quick intervention by officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), who cordoned off the scene and diverted traffic from Ilasa inward Oshodi, helped prevent a larger disaster.

    Preliminary investigations revealed that the accident was caused by overspeeding, which led to the tanker driver losing control of the vehicle.

    Confirming the incident, LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said operatives from adjoining zones were mobilised to support the response, alongside the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Nigeria Police Force (Aswani, Ilasa, and Mushin Divisions), and the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps.

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    “No human casualties were recorded, thanks to the swift intervention of LASTMA operatives and other agencies,” Bakare-Oki said.

    He warned tanker drivers and operators of heavy-duty vehicles to strictly obey speed limits and other traffic regulations, stressing that compliance is essential to protect lives and property.

    The LASTMA boss also urged residents to use the agency’s toll-free hotline—080000527862—to report traffic-related accidents and emergencies.

    Reiterating the agency’s commitment, LASTMA spokesman Adebayo Taofiq assured that the authority would continue to safeguard lives, protect property, and maintain safe traffic flow across Lagos State.

  • Lagos: When rescue officials refused to save lives

    Lagos: When rescue officials refused to save lives

    Sir: It is with a heavy heart that I write this. On August 23, tragedy struck close to home; we lost my best friend’s 27 year old niece. The lady, a promising entrepreneur with high aspirations, sadly passed in a car accident that plunged into the lagoon.

    The circumstances of the crash remain unclear, but what is more painful is the response that followed. The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA and Marine Police were at the scene, but there was no meaningful rescue effort. It was only when her distraught siblings, parents, and uncle arrived that the reality set in: the officials were neither trained nor equipped to carry out such a mission.

    In the end, it fell to local fishermen who knew what happened and even identified the exact spot where the car was. However, before they would act, they demanded N400,000 to dive and retrieve her body. In their grief, the family paid not because they were bargaining, but because they simply wanted her body back for a proper burial.

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    The point of writing is simple: we can do better. Can the government empower and equip local divers and fishermen as trained first responders? Can a fund or structure be created so that, in moments like this, money is not placed above humanity? Can lives be given a real chance of being saved rather than families being left to their trauma and desperation?

    We pride ourselves as the “Centre of Excellence,” but tragedies like this reveal the gaps. The commercial capital of the most populous black nation must not commercialize human lives. No one prays for such incidents, but when they happen, preparedness and compassion can make all the difference. I plead on behalf of grieving families, past and present who have had to bear losses that could have been averted. I plead with you to act fast and right.

    •Hadiza Oyewumi, Bank of Industry, Lagos.

  • Sanwo-Olu orders retraining of LASTMA officers to strengthen traffic management

    Sanwo-Olu orders retraining of LASTMA officers to strengthen traffic management

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has approved an intensive retraining programme for senior officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) as part of efforts to enhance leadership competence and align the agency with international best practices.

    The five-day executive leadership and capacity development programme, which commenced on Monday at Oshodi, involves 50 zonal heads and 32 principal officers, making a total of 82 participants. This follows the retraining of more than 3,000 LASTMA operatives carried out in the past eight months.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu said the initiative is aimed at equipping LASTMA’s top hierarchy with advanced managerial skills to better tackle the complex traffic challenges of Lagos.

    The programme, according to him, will strengthen ethical leadership, evidence-based decision-making, and sustainable urban traffic management.

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    Speaking at the event, LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the retraining as “an inestimable investment in the intellectual and professional capital of the Authority.”

    He noted that the training modules cover job description and performance management, leadership in organisational development, incident management, conflict resolution, communication skills, health management, and ethical standards.

    Also speaking, the agency’s Director of Training and Human Capacity Development, Mr. Akinpelu Ayuba, commended the Governor’s commitment to continuous staff development.

    He said training and retraining remain vital to LASTMA’s efficiency and urged motorists to obey traffic regulations and treat officers with respect.