LASTMA probes 3 officials over alleged extortion

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has summoned three officers before investigation panel over alleged extortion of drivers.

The LASTMA General Manager, Bolaji Oreagba, made this known via a statement issued on Sunday.

Oreagba stated that the agency had summoned all officials mentioned in the matter to appear before a seven-man investigation panel set up to look thoroughly into those allegations as published.

The LASTMA officials were alleged to have clamped down on motorists with trumped-up charges.

The officials of the agency were accused of collecting N13,000, N15,000, and N20,000 from commercial bus drivers in Lagos.

Oreagba, however, noted that all evidence contained in the allegation would be thoroughly scrutinised by the panel.

He said any official found culpable would face the consequences under the extant rule of the State Civil Service as specified.

“We have set up a seven-man investigation panel to thoroughly look into those alleged extortions levelled against some of our officials.

“I assure the public that the outcome of the panel would be made public.

“We have it on record that some of our officials alleged to be found wanting for official misconduct or unethical behaviour recently are currently facing disciplinary panel.

“The management would not condone any act of indiscipline from any official,” the LASTMA boss stated.

He further urged the general public to always come forward with their complaints with evidence against any misbehaved official via the agency’s complaint hotlines: (08100565860/08174722227/08129928597).

Oreagba equally urged road users in Lagos to obey the traffic regulations so as not to run foul of the law.

He stressed that some violators were fond of offering traffic personnel bribes to avoid prosecution without realising that the law frowned on both the giver and the taker.

He added that any motorist with genuine complaints or reports should equally reach out to LASTMA via the agency’s social media accounts.

The Star

Segun Ojo