LASTMA debunks report of Sanwo-Olu banning arrest of motorists

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has debunked a report that Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has banned its officers from arresting motorists.

LASTMA on Friday urged residents of Lagos to ignore the recurring fake news circulating on social media alleged to have been directed by Sanwo-Olu.

In a press statement issued by LASTMA General Manager, Bolaji Oreagba through the spokesperson, Adebayo Taofiq debunked the fake online news.

Taofiq said that LASTMA officials were never banned by Sanwo-Olu from arresting motorists who flout the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.

“The attention of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has been drawn to the recurring fake news circulating on social media, purported to have been said by the Governor of Lagos State Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu that, “Henceforth no LASTMA Officials should arrest any motorist, either commercial or private. The duty of LASTMA is to manage traffic and not to arrest”.

Taofiq also said that Oreagba had some years back debunked the fake online news alleging that LASTMA Officials were banned from arresting motorists who flout the law.

“Mr. 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 management of LASTMA,” he said.

Oreagba warned Lagosians, especially motorists, to be wary of online reports aimed at causing chaos and mischief within the society.

“I wonder why some individuals choose to always mislead others to contravene the traffic law of the State as amended by the State House of Assembly in 2018”, he noted.

LASTMA is an Agency which was set up in July 2000 and charged with managing traffic in Lagos State as well as enforcing its Traffic laws.