A Lagos State Magistrates’ Court has ordered the remand of a 47-year-old man, Adetayo Adewodun, who was accused of posing as an officer of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and extorting money from a motorist.
Adewodun, who entered a not-guilty plea to a two-count charge of impersonation and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, was sent to a correctional facility until he fulfills his bail requirements. The case was adjourned for further hearing.
According to a statement issued on Friday by Adebayo Taofiq, Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment at LASTMA, the suspect was apprehended on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, during a surveillance operation carried out by the agency’s Surveillance and Intelligence Unit on the orders of LASTMA’s General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki.
Investigations revealed that Adewodun and two accomplices—still at large—had accosted a motorist, Mr. Ayano Stephen, who was driving a white Toyota Hilux with registration number GME 259 TE. The group falsely accused him of making an illegal turn at Itire Junction and demanded ₦80,000 as a penalty. Under pressure, the victim handed over ₦7,800, the only cash in his possession at the time.
Reacting to the development, Mr. Bakare-Oki commended the court’s ruling, describing it as a “welcome and necessary step” that would discourage others from impersonating traffic officers for fraudulent gain.
He further reaffirmed LASTMA’s dedication to maintaining discipline and order on Lagos roads while protecting motorists from harassment and extortion.
