Impersonator of LASTMA Officer Sentenced to Jail in Lagos

A 27-year-old man, David Oluchukwu, has been sentenced to a 4-month jail term by the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Mobile) Court in Bolade, Oshodi. He was found guilty of impersonating a LASTMA officer and extorting money from motorists, particularly commercial bus drivers in Lagos.

Oluchukwu was apprehended on Wednesday, December 14, in the Lekki area of Lagos while engaging in fraudulent activities.

He was arraigned by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) on two counts of “Conduct likely to cause breach of peace” and “Impersonation.”

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In a statement released by the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Mr. Adebayo Taofiq, it was disclosed that Magistrate Adesanya Ademola handed down the 4-month jail term without any option of fine after Oluchukwu pleaded ‘Guilty’ to the charges.

Emphasizing the gravity of the offenses committed, Magistrate Adesanya Ademola insisted that the convict should serve the full 4-month jail term without any option of a fine.

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The Court Prosecutor, Barrister Agbaje Oladotun, highlighted that the convict’s actions contravened Section 168 (D) and Section 78 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State (2015) related to Breach of Peace and Impersonation, respectively.

Responding to the judgement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Bolaji Oreagba, expressed satisfaction with the decision, stating that it would deter others from engaging in such fraudulent activities. He also assured that the Surveillance and Intelligence Unit would continue to identify and apprehend individuals involved in similar misconduct.

Furthermore, Mr. Oreagba urged motorists, especially commercial bus operators, to comply with the regulations outlined in the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law 2018.