Wednesday, April 9, 2025 - A Lagos Mobile Court sitting in Oshodi on Tuesday, April 8, sentenced two persons to three months imprisonment each for their involvement in a mob attack on officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).
The incident, which occurred on Monday, April 7, near the
LASTMA Central District (Zone 9) office in Victoria Island, was described as an
unprovoked and coordinated assault by a group of commercial transport
operators.
According to LASTMA authorities, the chaos began when
officials apprehended a white commercial minibus with registration number SMK
742 YJ for traffic obstruction around McWellen Bridge, inward Flag
House.
In response, the driver allegedly called for reinforcements,
prompting the arrival of two additional minibuses (one identified as GGE 995
YF) filled with irate commercial drivers who launched a brazen attack on the
enforcement officers.
Swift intervention by security operatives led to the
immediate arrest of two suspects at the scene. The pair were arraigned before
the Mobile Court the following day and handed custodial sentences without an
option of fine.
Speaking on the court’s decision, LASTMA General Manager,
Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, lauded the verdict, describing it as a “timely and
necessary deterrent” to others who might consider similar acts of
lawlessness.
“We will not tolerate any form of aggression against our
personnel. Our officials are carrying out their lawful duties, and attacks
on them are attacks on the rule of law and public safety,” Bakare-Oki stated.
The statement, signed by Mr. Adebayo Taofiq, Director of Public Affairs
and Enlightenment at LASTMA, condemned the assault in the strongest terms and
reassured the public of the agency’s continued efforts to ensure the safety and
smooth flow of traffic across the state.
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