CITIZENS COMPASS– A Lagos Mobile Court, has sentenced two commercial drivers to three months imprisonment for assaulting operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).
The Mobile Court sentenced the duo to custodial imprisonment yesterday, Tuesday, April 8, 2025 following the incident that occurred on Monday, April 7, 2025,
It was learnt that the drivers orchestrated a violent and coordinated mob attack on the operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) in the course of performing their lawful duties.
The attackers were apprehended following a brazen and unprovoked assault that occurred on Monday, April 7, 2025, in the vicinity of LASTMA Central District(Zone 9, Victoria Island) located in the Victoria Island/Lekki corridor of Lagos.
The unfortunate incident was triggered by the legitimate apprehension of a white commercial minibus SMK 742 YJ (korope) by LASTMA officials for obstruction-related traffic infractions around the Mekwen Bridge, inward Flag House. In a blatant act of defiance, the vehicle’s driver mobilised a group of fellow commercial transport operators, who arrived at the scene in two additional minibuses (GGE 995 YF), and unleashed a premeditated and vicious attack on the LASTMA officials.
The rapid and tactical intervention of security personnel led to the apprehension of two suspects, who were immediately arraigned before the Lagos Mobile Court at Oshodi.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed firm approval of the court’s ruling, emphasizing that the verdict would serve as a necessary deterrent to unruly elements within the motoring public, especially commercial vehicle operators who habitually undermine traffic regulations.
The Authority unequivocally condemns this despicable and unlawful act of aggression, reiterating its unwavering commitment to a zero-tolerance policy on attacks against its officials. LASTMA remains steadfast in discharging its statutory mandate of enforcing traffic laws and preserving the safety and orderly movement of all road users throughout Lagos State.
