The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has arrested a suspected serial fake traffic officer who was impersonating the agency. The suspect, 55‑year‑old Omotutu Bamidele of Atijere Town in Ondo State, was apprehended around the Ikoyi area, specifically on Olu Holloway Road in the Alfred Rewane district, by LASTMA’s Monitoring/Surveillance team led by Zonal Head Ashafa Moyosore.
In a Sunday statement, LASTMA reported that Bamidele confessed to extorting motorists, particularly private car owners, while wearing a reflective jacket to pose as a legitimate officer. He claimed that he and his still‑at‑large accomplices earned an average of N35,000 per day from these illegal activities. According to his confession, motorists dropping passengers at undesignated bus stops were charged between N15,000 and N20,000, while those caught driving against traffic (one‑way) paid a minimum of N35,000.
Public Affairs Director Adebayo Taofiq quoted General Manager Bolaji Oreagba, who confirmed that the arrest followed special monitoring operations prompted by complaints from road users such as Obinna Kingsley and Adewusi Adebola, received via LASTMA hotlines and social media. The investigation revealed that the suspect had been demanding large sums for a range of alleged traffic offences, including seat‑belt violations, obstructions, illegal overtaking, and one‑way infractions across Lagos Island.
Oreagba expressed disappointment over the complaints from motorists about these unscrupulous impersonators and urged the public to remain vigilant. He emphasized that LASTMA operates a cashless policy; violators are taken to court and issued a Referral Notice rather than being asked for cash. “Let me warn the motoring public to desist from giving money to anyone claiming to be a traffic officer, as both the giver and taker are liable before the law,” he said.
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