A Lagos Mobile Court on Tuesday sentenced two commercial bus drivers, identified as Mohammed Musa and Muhammed Nasara, to two months in prison for launching a violent and coordinated mob attack on operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) while they were carrying out their lawful duties.
The drivers were apprehended on Monday after assaulting the officials in the Victoria Island area of Lagos.
It was learnt that LASTMA operatives had impounded a commercial minibus, commonly referred to as korope in the Southwest region, for obstruction-related traffic violations around the Mekwen Bridge, inward Flag House.
In defiance, the minibus driver mobilized other commercial transport operators, who arrived at the scene in two additional minibuses, and launched a vicious attack on the LASTMA officials.
The situation was brought under control by the swift intervention of security personnel, who arrested two suspects.
They were immediately arraigned before the Lagos Mobile Court in Oshodi.
Reacting to the court’s ruling, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said the verdict would serve as a deterrent to unruly members of the motoring public, especially commercial drivers who frequently violate traffic laws.
“The Authority unequivocally condemns this despicable and unlawful act of aggression, reiterating its unwavering commitment to a zero-tolerance policy on attacks against its officials.
“LASTMA remains steadfast in discharging its statutory mandate of enforcing traffic laws and preserving the safety and orderly movement of all road users throughout Lagos State,” the agency added in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Mr. Adebayo Taofiq, on Wednesday.
Lagos Bus Drivers Jailed For Assaulting LASTMA Officials is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
Source: The Whistler
