Protesters demand dismissal of LASTMA officials after man dies in traffic accident

Outraged by the accident, bystanders and local traders accused LASTMA of exploiting motorists, particularly those unfamiliar with the area’s layout.

Protesters on Tuesday gathered in Abule-Egba, to demand the dismissal of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officials following the tragic death of a motorist.

According to a report by Daily Trust, the deceased was struck by a commercial driver allegedly fleeing from LASTMA officers attempting to enforce traffic laws.

The incident reportedly began when LASTMA officials, accompanied by police officers, stopped a Toyota Corolla driver for allegedly veering into a BRT lane. Witnesses, including a bystander named Tolupe, alleged that the driver, soon to be married, pleaded with the officials, explaining he wasn’t aware of the restricted lane due to a lack of signage. “He offered N40,000, but they insisted on N100,000,” Tolupe said, as reported by Daily Trust.

“The officials threatened to tow his vehicle unless he paid in full. He and his brother then agreed to N70,000, but they refused and directed him to a nearby POS to withdraw more.”

During these negotiations, another vehicl…