Ibekimi Oriamaja Reports
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has detained two alleged Special Traffic Mayors (STM) for detaining a biker in violation of the law.
A patrol team from LASTMA Headquarters detained Ibrahim Jibril Abu and Olamide Oshin on Thursday.
On August 17, 2022, at around 12.30 p.m., Jibril and Olamide had committed the crime at the Sheraton Hotel bus stop on Mobolaji Bank-Anthony Way.
The development was confirmed by Filade Olumide, Deputy Director, Public Affairs, LASTMA, who also revealed that both are now being questioned by the Nigeria Police Force. He stated:
“Following a thorough investigation, it was found that Ibrahim Jubril Abu was actually a LASTMA STM. He had printed a fake identity card for Olamide Oshin using the reflective vest number of another mayor in order to perpetuate fraud and stir up public opinion against legitimate traffic enforcement officers.
“Both suspects have been delivered to Area F police. As the operational guidelines of the STMs do not authorize them to capture traffic violators, it is important to emphasize that the introduction of LASTMA STM was a tactic adopted to boost voluntary help for authorized traffic officials in traffic management.
He claimed that the perpetrators were apprehended as other logistical motorcycle riders gathered nearby the scene of the incident to prepare to attack LASTMA authorities.
Recall that certain dishonest members of the public have occasionally impersonated LASTMA employees in the past.
This is one of the situations that the agency has promised to address in accordance with the State’s laws.
He mentioned that not too long ago, Mr. Bolaji Oreagba, General Manager of LASTMA, discovered a phony online magazine that advertised membership and special traffic mayor training for a price.
The organization quickly responded and refuted the article in a press release and on electronic media.
In order to act as a deterrent to those with similar intents, he further guaranteed that the suspects would be prosecuted.
The General Manager urged the populace to always report suspicious activity when they do, as opposed to criticizing lawfully performing government employees.
He further stated that voluntary compliance is what the organization is pushing for.
