LASTMA rejects extortion claims, reaffirms media partnership
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has dismissed allegations of extortion levelled against its operatives, following the outcome of an internal investigative panel which examined claims that officers collected
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has dismissed allegations of extortion levelled against its operatives, following the outcome of an internal investigative panel which examined claims that officers collected N100,000 from commercial bus operators along the Coastal Road corridor.
The Authority also renewed its call for stronger collaboration with the media, while warning against what it described as defamatory and unverified reports capable of undermining public trust in government institutions.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare Oki, said the panel found that the vehicles at the centre of the allegation were actually impounded for the obstruction of traffic in violation of regulations. He added that penalties imposed were paid into government accounts, with evidence presented by the affected drivers during their appearance before the panel.
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He said the findings of the investigation cleared the Authority of any wrongdoing, particularly the allegation of illegal financial collection by its operatives.
Bakare Oki said the media remained a critical partner in promoting traffic discipline, civic responsibility and public enlightenment, noting that responsible journalism was essential to sustaining democratic accountability and informed public discourse.
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He, however, cautioned that the credibility of both public institutions and the media could be damaged by sensational or unverified reporting, urging journalists and media organisations to strengthen fact checking processes before publication.
While reaffirming LASTMA’s openness to scrutiny, he stated that the agency remained transparent and accessible through official channels for verification and clarification of incidents.
He highlighted the availability of a toll free hotline and a Physical Complaints Unit through which the public could report concerns, seek clarification, or verify traffic related issues.
Bakare Oki called on media practitioners to uphold ethical standards of accuracy, balance and responsibility in their reporting, stressing that misinformation could erode public confidence in traffic management efforts and governance.
