The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), has denied a television news story in which a man, named Godspower Osaze Ohamen, claimed that the brainbox of his Toyota Corolla Saloon car got missing within LASTMA premises after his arrest on Thursday, 20th August 2020.
According to the General Manager Olajide Oduyoye, Ohamen failed to produce his Driver’s Licence for identification until he appeared on the television programme to reveal his identity.
The LASTMA boss added that in the process of arrest, the driver sprinkled a liquid substance on LASTMA men and recited incantations at the officials of the Agency.
He maintained that in a bid to verify the driver’s identity for issuance of a document charging him to Court, the LASTMA officials insisted that Osaze must produce his licence but he declined and opted to release his car keys before leaving the premises.
The General Manager stated that “the vehicle had to be towed into the premises of LASTMA because of Mr. Ohamen’s conduct before the arrest. After the vehicle was lowered from the tow truck, a joint inspection was carried out with our men before he locked his vehicle and delivered the keys in the presence of officers. All these procedures were captured on video by officials of the Agency”.
Speaking further, Oduyoye revealed that the accused showed up at LASTMA on Tuesday, 25th August, 2020, but officers insisted that his driver’s licence must be produced as earlier requested.
“The young man was again asked when he showed at LASTMA five days later to produce his driver’s licence; he simply stepped out and returned some minutes later to raise an alarm that his vehicle’s brainbox had been removed. It is surprising how he gained access into a vehicle that was locked and its keys were with the Agency”, Oduyoye said.
Disclosing that the incident has been reported to the Police, Oduyoye gave an assurance that the result of investigations into the matter will be made available to the public and affirmed that LASTMA will not be deterred from carrying out its mandate despite threats, intimidation or blackmail from some unruly members of the public.
The General Manager urged motorists to report any complaints about the Agency’s personnel through telephone numbers – 08129928503, 08129928490 or 08129928469 and advised members of the public to always obey the traffic laws of Lagos State to avoid the consequences of unruly conduct and possible prosecution.