LASTMA Clarifies Its Powers to Arrest Traffic Violators in Lagos

The Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) has debunked the news that the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, banned officials of the agency from arresting errant motorists. The agency clarified that the governor did not say that LASTMA has to only manage traffic in the state.

The Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, Taofiq Adebayo, in a statement today, described the claim as fake news and the handiwork of faceless mischief makers, adding that the agency was empowered by law to arrest traffic violators in the state.

The statement further explained that the duty of LASTMA is to manage traffic and also arrest traffic violators. The General Manager of the agency, Bolaji Oreagba, had previously debunked the fake online news alleging that LASTMA officials were banned from arresting motorists who flout the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.

Oreagba explained that the false report, which is the handiwork of faceless mischief makers, has been repeatedly circulated online since February 2020, despite being severally refuted by the management of LASTMA.

The clarification by LASTMA is expected to put to rest the misinformation that has been circulating on social media. The agency has assured Lagosians that it will continue to carry out its duties as stipulated by law, and urged residents to cooperate with its officials in order to ensure free flow of traffic in the state.