Monday, April 13, 2026 - The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has cleared its officials of alleged extortion after an internal investigation into claims that operatives collected N100,000 from commercial bus drivers along the Coastal Road Corridor.
The agency’s General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, in a
press statement on Sunday, said the panel set up to probe the allegation found
that the affected drivers were penalised for traffic violations, particularly
obstruction, in line with existing regulations.
He added that all fines imposed were duly paid into
designated government accounts, with documentary evidence presented during the
investigation, effectively debunking claims of extortion.
He stated that the findings “unequivocally established” that
the enforcement actions taken by officers were lawful, adding that the evidence
presented “decisively debunked” claims of extortion.
While reaffirming the agency’s commitment to transparency,
Bakare-Oki warned against publishing unverified, defamatory reports that could
erode public trust and undermine institutional credibility.
He emphasised that while the agency welcomes scrutiny,
inaccurate reporting risks undermining public confidence in government
institutions.
He described the media as a vital partner in promoting
traffic compliance and civic responsibility, noting that its influence in
shaping public understanding makes accuracy and professionalism essential.
The LASTMA boss said, “The dissemination of unverified
claims and sensational narratives constitutes a grave threat to institutional
credibility and public trust,” urging journalists and media organisations to
prioritise fact-checking and due diligence before publication.
He added that constructive criticism remained an important
part of democratic engagement but must be grounded in verifiable facts.
Reiterating the agency’s commitment to transparency,
Bakare-Oki said LASTMA remained open to engagement through its official
communication channels for verification and clarification of incidents.
He also pointed to existing feedback mechanisms, including a
toll-free line and a dedicated complaints unit, through which members of the
public can report grievances or seek clarification on enforcement activities.
The agency further appealed to media stakeholders to uphold
professional standards by ensuring balance and accuracy in their reports,
warning that the spread of misinformation could erode trust in public
institutions and disrupt effective traffic management efforts across Lagos.
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