Two commercial bus drivers have been sentenced to three months in jail by a Lagos Mobile Court for orchestrating a violent mob attack on Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officials, okay.ng reports.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, confirmed the sentencing in a statement released on Wednesday. The two drivers, Mohammed Musa and Muhammed Nasara, organized the attack on officials who were carrying out their lawful duties on Monday, April 7th, near the LASTMA Central District (Zone 9) in the Victoria Island/Lekki corridor.
The incident began when LASTMA officials legitimately apprehended a white commercial minibus with registration number SMK 742 YJ for traffic obstruction near the Mekwen Bridge, heading towards Flag House. In response, the driver of the minibus mobilized other commercial transport operators who arrived in two additional minibuses (GGE 995 YF) and launched a premeditated attack on the LASTMA officials.
Security personnel swiftly intervened, leading to the arrest of Musa and Nasara, who were subsequently arraigned before the Lagos Mobile Court at Oshodi on Tuesday, April 8th.
Mr. Bakare-Oki stated that the court’s verdict would serve as a crucial deterrent to unruly members of the public, particularly commercial vehicle operators who frequently disregard traffic regulations. He strongly condemned the attack, reiterating LASTMA’s zero-tolerance policy towards any aggression against its officials. He affirmed LASTMA’s unwavering commitment to enforcing traffic laws and ensuring the safety and orderly movement of all road users in Lagos State.