The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has threatened to prosecute bus drivers and motorists who attack men of the agency in their line of duty.
Bolaji Oreagba, LASTMA General Manager, in reaction to a video clip which showed a driver that striped naked to fight an official of the agency stated that both the driver and others who attacked the officer will be prosecuted.
According to Oreagba,the incident was said to have taken place on Friday, October 15, 2021, at about 11.44 am at Jakande First Gate on the Lekki-Epe Expressway.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
The bus driver was caught dropping off and picking passengers on the road in contravention of the Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018 (as amended).
“The driver was asked to leave the spot, but was defiant and refused the entreaties of the officer deployed to correct him.
“The positioning of the vehicle was in such a way that it created avoidable traffic congestion. The driver’s resistance made the officer resolve to impound the vehicle by removing the ignition key.
“Knowing commercial vehicle drivers’ antecedents in Lagos, with the removal of the key from the ignition after refusing all entreaties, the driver went berserk, removed his clothes to whip up public sentiment and court pity from the public. He descended heavily on the LASTMA official and dragged the officer with his uniform, thereby assaulting and disrespecting constituted authority,” Oreagba added.
The GM stated that the driver went further to call people who were staying within the vicinity to join in the attack which they succeeded as they overpowered other officials present and escaped with the vehicle.
He said the incident was reported at the Ilasan Police Station, both the police and LASTMA are on the lookout for the suspects.
