Fake LASTMA Officer Jailed for Extorting Motorists in Lagos
story written by peterson october 10,2025
A 45-year-old man, identified as Adetayo Adewodun, has been remanded in custody by a Lagos Mobile Court for impersonating an official of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and extorting motorists around the Itire Junction area of the state.
Adewodun, who reportedly made up to ₦65,000 daily through his illegal activities, was arraigned on a two-count charge of impersonation and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.
He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him by the Lagos State Government and was remanded in a correctional facility pending the fulfillment of his bail conditions. The case was adjourned for continuation of hearing.
According to a statement by LASTMA, the suspect was nabbed by officers of the Surveillance and Intelligence Unit during a targeted enforcement operation ordered by the agency’s General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki.
Investigations revealed that Adewodun and two accomplices—who are currently at large—had intercepted a motorist, Mr. Ayano Stephen, who was driving a white Hilux (registration number GME 259 TE).
Pretending to be a LASTMA official, the suspect accused the driver of making an illegal U-turn and demanded ₦80,000 as a “fine.” The victim, who had only ₦7,800 on him, reportedly handed over the amount before the impostor was caught.
Reacting to the arrest, Bakare-Oki commended the swift judicial response, describing the court’s decision as “a positive step toward justice and deterrence.”
He warned that the agency will not tolerate impersonation or extortion in any form, adding that the remand order should serve as a lesson to others who prey on unsuspecting motorists.
“We are committed to maintaining sanity, professionalism, and fairness on Lagos roads while protecting motorists from fraudsters posing as traffic officers,” Bakare-Oki said.
