Two Lagos Drivers Jailed for Attacking LASTMA Officials on Duty

• Apr 09, 2025

A Lagos Mobile Court has sentenced two commercial drivers to three months in jail for attacking officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) while they were carrying out their duties. The convicted drivers, identified as Mohammed Musa and Muhammed Nasara, were found guilty after a violent incident on April 7.

The attack took place in the Victoria Island/Lekki corridor, specifically in the LASTMA Central District (Zone 9), near the Mekwen Bridge. The incident began when LASTMA officials stopped a white commercial minibus with the license plate SMK 742 YJ for traffic violations, including obstruction. In response, the driver of the minibus called upon other commercial vehicle operators, who arrived in two additional minibuses (GGE 995 YF) and launched a coordinated assault on the LASTMA team.

Olalekan Bakare-Oki, the General Manager of LASTMA, stated that the assault was unprovoked and that it occurred despite the officials performing their lawful duties. He emphasized that the court's decision would send a strong message to those who habitually flout traffic regulations, particularly commercial vehicle drivers who frequently undermine the law.

Following the attack, security forces intervened quickly, apprehending the two primary suspects. The individuals were promptly arraigned before the Lagos Mobile Court at Oshodi on April 8, where they were sentenced. Bakare-Oki expressed hope that the court's verdict would deter others from engaging in similar violent acts against traffic management officials.

This case follows several other incidents of violent confrontations between commercial drivers and traffic officers in Lagos. The authorities have reiterated the importance of enforcing traffic laws to ensure public safety and smooth traffic flow across the city.