Two commercial drivers, Mohammed Musa and Muhammed Nasara, have been sentenced to three months imprisonment for assaulting operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) in Victoria Island axis of the state.
The two mini-bus drivers popularly called Korope, journey to the correctional facility started after they orchestrated a mob attack on the traffic managers in retaliation for impounding a vehicle that contravene the traffic law in the state.
On Wednesday, it was learnt that they were apprehended after they led other drivers to attack LASTMA Central District(Zone 9, Victoria Island) after commercial minibus with number plate SMK 742 YJ was impounded for traffic infractions around the Mekwen bridge, inward Flag House.
Pained by the act, the drivers mobilised a group of fellow commercial transport operators, who arrived at the scene in two additional minibuses including one with number plate GGE 995 YF, and unleashed a premeditated attack on the LASTMA officials.
It was learnt that the LASTMA officers were rescued following the intervention of security personnel who apprehended two suspects, who were immediately arraigned before the Lagos Mobile Court at Oshodi yesterday.
Commending the court over the judgement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed firm approval of the court’s ruling, emphasizing that the verdict would serve as a necessary deterrent to unruly elements within the motoring public, especially commercial vehicle operators who habitually undermine traffic regulations.
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
