Embattled music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs was transported from his federal prison cell to a hospital for medical evaluation late Thursday night, according to sources.Combs, who remains in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center while awaiting trial on multiple sex crime charges, was taken to Brooklyn Hospital for an MRI due to persistent knee pain.The transfer occurred around 10 p.m. in an effort to minimize attention, insiders told DailyMail.com.A source emphasized that the hospital visit was unrelated to any incident inside the detention center, explaining, “It was just an old injury that was bothering him.” Combs was returned to his cell shortly after the procedure and did not stay overnight.
The 55-year-old rapper has been behind bars since his arrest last year on charges related to sex trafficking, racketeering, and prostitution. He has been denied bail on multiple occasions and continues to maintain his innocence.Last week, prosecutors expanded their case against Combs, accusing him of sex trafficking three women in a newly filed indictment.
While the initial allegations involved one alleged victim, the updated indictment names two additional women. However, no new charges have been added as a result of the latest filing.Marc Agnifilo, Combs’ attorney, responded to the development in a statement to DailyMail.com, saying:“The latest indictment contains no new offenses. The prosecution’s theory remains flawed. The government has added the ridiculous theory that two of Mr. Combs’ former girlfriends were not girlfriends at all, but were prostitutes. Mr. Combs is as committed as ever to fighting these charges and winning at trial.”The indictment alleges that Combs facilitated the transportation of multiple women, including professional sex workers, across state lines. One of the women, though unnamed, appears to be singer Cassie Ventura, Combs’ former girlfriend, who previously accused him of rape and physical abuse in a lawsuit filed in November 2023. That lawsuit was settled a day after it was filed, though no details of the agreement were made public.Prosecutors claim that security footage from a woman and dragging her back to a room where an alleged “freak-off” party was taking place. In another allegation, a woman accused Combs of ordering a “madam” to assault her with a copper IUD.Ashley Parham, another accuser, has filed a lawsuit alleging that she was drugged and sexually assaulted by Combs and his associates in 2018. In an interview with NewsNation’s Ashleigh Banfield, Parham claimed she met Combs when he entered the California home of her friend Shane Pearce uninvited.Since his incarceration, Combs has also been named in multiple civil lawsuits, with allegations detailing lavish and drug-fueled parties involving ketamine, ecstasy, and GHB—substances prosecutors claim were used to manipulate victims.Combs’ legal troubles continue to mount as he awaits his trial, scheduled to begin on May 5.
If convicted on the racketeering charge, he could face a life sentence.
The Delta State Police, according to SP Edafe Bright, the command spokesman, has, today, launched a strict enforcement campaign of the Third-Party Motor Vehicle Insurance policy in line with the directives of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, and in accordance with Section 68 of the Insurance Act and Sections 1, 2 – 3 of the Motor Vehicle (Third-Party Insurance) Act, which mandates all vehicle owners to obtain a minimum of Third-Party Insurance before operating on Nigerian roads.
Edge said that the Third-party vehicle insurance is a type of coverage that financially protects you if you’re considered responsible for damages to another persons vehicle.”As part of the routine enforcement operations, the Delta State Command has observed with concern that a decreasing number of vehicles in the state are insured, as reported by the Nigeria Insurance Associations.
In response to that data, and to ensure strict compliance, the Delta State Police Command has established an enforcement team to tackle the challenge of the declining number of insured vehicles, and to ensure adequate compensation of accident victims””CP Abaniwonda Olufemi noted that the enforcement effort is about ensuring fairness and protecting responsible road users who follow the law. He encourages responsible driving, reminding Deltans that compliance with vehicle insurance laws is essential for road safety, that driving without insurance is not only illegal but also irresponsible.
He added that vehicular users who are uninsured puts themselves and other road users at financial risk; thereby urging all drivers to check their policies and ensure they’re covered before getting behind the wheel. On that note, drivers are advised to verify that their vehicle insurance is up to date, and always carry proof of valid Third-Party Insurance when driving to avoid facing severe legal consequences not limited to vehicle seizure or impoundment and possible prosecution”.
In a near death experience, a 59-year-old businessman Chijioke Nnanna Igbokwe has undergone a surgery, exploratory laparotomy, to let out 57 out of 81 pellets of cocaine stuck in his stomach after seven days of ingesting the illicit substance in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Igbokwe was arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, at the arrival hall of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, during the inward clearance of passengers on Ethiopian Airlines flight on Sunday 26th January 2025. He was promptly taken for body scan, which revealed illicit drugs in his system. He was soon after taken into NDLEA custody for excretion observation. Investigation revealed that Igbokwe who claims to be into cloth business at Arena, Oshodi area of Lagos, departed Lagos on 22nd January to Addis Ababa where he ingested the 81 wraps of cocaine the following day 23rd January and boarded a flight to Beirut, Lebanon to deliver the illicit consignment for a fee of $3,000.
Upon his arrival in Beirut, he said he was refused entry because he had less than $2,000, the amount required to grant him entry. He was then deported to Addis Ababa where he attempted excreting the illicit drugs but could not. He thereafter proceeded to Lagos on Saturday 25th January with the consignment in his bowel. He was however arrested upon his arrival at the Lagos airport by NDLEA officers on 26th January. After five days under excretion observation, he could only expel 24 pellets following initial medical intervention at the Agency’s medical facility and the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) Ikeja.
With the clock ticking for him and the complication of other underlining medical conditions, the suspect was eventually admitted at the tertiary facility where he had to undergo exploratory laparotomy to extract the remaining 57 wraps of cocaine stuck in his stomach after his wife and brother endorsed the necessary consent forms on Thursday 30th January. In all, a total of 81 pellets of the Class A drug with a gross weight of 1.943 kilograms were recovered from his stomach. Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives in Lagos on Wednesday 29th January intercepted a consignment of 2,000 kilograms of Ghanaian Loud, a strain of cannabis produced in Ghana, at Lekki beach, where two suspects: Sunday Awoyede and Christopher Cletus attempted loading them into a truck.
The suspects, the skunk shipment and the van were immediately taken into custody. Another suspect, Lawal Idris Olasunkanmi was also arrested same day with 55kg skunk during a raid at his base in Mushin area of Lagos. Across the country, NDLEA Commands and formations continued their War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, sensitization lectures and advocacy visits to worship centres, schools, workplaces, palaces of traditional rulers and communities all through the past week. Instances include: WADA sensitization lecture to students and staff of Grand Light Model School, Ata Udosung, Akwa Ibom; Community Grammar School, Iganna, Iwajowa LGA, Oyo state; Ebute Afuye Primary School, Epe, Lagos state; Akwakuma Girls Secondary School, Owerri, Imo state; and Federal Government College, Kebbe, Sokoto state, while the Kogi state command of the Agency paid a WADA advocacy visit to Attah of Igala, HRH Mathew Opaluwa Oguche at his palace in Idah, among others.
While commending the officers and men of MMIA Strategic Command for their vigilance and professionalism in handling Chijioke Igbokwe’s case, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) warned those involved in the illicit drug trade that they’re not only destroying the lives of others, but equally putting their own lives at great risk. He equally applauded the Lagos State Strategic Command for blocking the huge consignment of skunk from coming into the country. He recognized the concerted efforts of their compatriots in all the commands across the country for intensifying the WADA social advocacy lectures and sensitization activities to create a balance in drug supply and demand reduction efforts of the Agency .
In line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has commenced the enforcement of the mandatory minimum Third-Party Motor Vehicle Insurance from February 1, 2025All vehicle owners in the FCT are required to possess a valid Third-Party Insurance policy before operating on public roads.
Those without any form of insurance are advised to get insured immediately to avoid penalties.Third-Party Insurance is a mandatory policy designed to protect road users from financial losses due to accidents. It covers damages caused to another person’s vehicle, property, or bodily injury resulting from an accident involving the insured vehicle.
This policy ensures that accident victims receive necessary compensation while reducing the financial burden on vehicle owners.The FCT Police Command warns that non-compliance with this legal requirement will attract strict enforcement measures. The enforcement is part of efforts to ensure adherence to road safety regulations and protect all road users.Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, FCT, CP Olatunji Disu, psc, has directed officers assigned to carry out the enforcement to be professional, courteous, and firm in the discharge of their duties. He also emphasized that no form of harassment or extortion of motorists would be tolerated.
The general public is urged to cooperate with the police as this enforcement exercise is aimed at ensuring the safety and security of all road users in the FCT.For inquiries or reports of suspicious activities, residents can contact the FCT Police Command through the: Emergency Lines: 08061581938, 08032003913,Complaint Response Unit: 08107314192
The efficiency of the Nigeria Police Force, which happens to be the lead security agency in internal security, to combat increased rate of crimes and criminality across the length and breadth of Nigeria has over time been undermined by persistent shortage of manpower. With a population exceeding 200 million, the police-to-citizen ratio remains far below the United Nations-recommended standard of 1 officer to 400 citizens making it extremely tedious for the NPF to carry out its core and other secondary responsibilities as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended. This deficit has severely hampered the Force’s ability to effectively tackle insecurity. However, the recruitment process itself had over the years been plagued by controversies, particularly disputes between the Police Service Commission (PSC) and the NPF, inefficiencies, and delays in the onboarding of recruits.
At the core of the recruitment crisis lies a protracted conflict between the Police Service Commission and the NPF over who holds the constitutional authority to conduct recruitment exercise. While the PSC is empowered by the Constitution to handle appointments and promotions, the NPF argued that operational realities necessitate its direct involvement in the process. These disagreements escalated into seeking the intervention of the court as regards the interpretation of the Schedule defining the powers of the PSC and the Police Service Commission Act in 2023. The Supreme Court of Nigeria in its ruling however, ruled in favour of the PSC, but tensions persist, continuing to hinder positive progress in resolving the manpower deficit.
Amid these lingering challenges, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun Ph.D,NPM, has emerged as a transformative leader. As a fellow of the Society for Peace Studies and Practice (SPSP) coupled with his vast experiences in policing for more than three decades, Egbetokun has leveraged his conflict management expertise to foster understanding, collaboration and mutual existence with the PSC for the benefit of the NPF. By building a working relationship with the PSC chairman, DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu, mni, retired, a thorough-bred, seasoned and disciplined officer, and encouraging dialogue, he has reduced institutional friction, disequilibrium, and created a solid template for cooperation with the shared goal of addressing recruitment challenges, and other inadequacies effectively.
Egbetokun has advocated for a recruitment process which emphasizes professionalism, merit, and inclusivity. The IGP, in collaboration with the decent Chairman of the PSC, champions fairness and transparency to combat corruption and nepotism which have plagued the system for years. His focus extends beyond numbers, with an emphasis on robust training programs aimed at equipping recruits with modern policing techniques, community engagement skills, and conflict resolution strategies. He is also advocating for the adoption of digital technologies to streamline the recruitment process and enhance efficiency.
Egbetokun’s leadership approach demonstrates the power of collaboration, doggedness, accountability, and proactive engagement in addressing systemic and institutional challenges. By fostering trust, mediating institutional conflicts, and implementing forward-looking reforms, he is building a Police Force that is not only numerically stronger but also more professional, rule of law compliant, service driven, people friendly and community-oriented. His ability to unite stakeholders around a common vision offers hope for a more effective and united police force, capable of ensuring national security and institutional excellence.
IGP Adeolu Egbetokun’s leadership serves as a model for addressing systemic challenges through conflict management and collaboration.
As Nigeria continues to navigate its surmountable security challenges, the combination of Egbetokun’s conflict management prowess and his partnership with the PSC leadership provides a renewed focus towards a more effective and united police force. Through their joint efforts, the recruitment process can be transformed into a vehicle for institutional excellence and national security.
In the end, IGP Adeolu Egbetokun’s leadership reminds us that sustainable reform is only possible through dialogue, cooperation, and a shared commitment to achieving greater heights. His approach is a testament to the power of effective leadership and Esprit de Corps in driving meaningful change.
Omooba Olumuyiwa Adejobi Public Relations Practitioner and Expert in Peace, Security, and Humanitarian Studies. Federal Capital Territory, Abuja princemoye@gmail.com. 31st January, 2025.
Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has affirmed the continued stay in office, by Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, as lawful and legal.The AGF, in a statement he signed, noted that Egbetokun’s appointment, which took effect on October 31, 2023, would have come to an end on his attainment of 60 years of age on September 4, 2024.Fagbemi however said, that before Egbetokun’s retirement age, the Police Act was amended to allow the occupant of the office to remain and complete the original four year term granted under Section 7 (6) of the Act, notwithstanding the fact that he has attained the age of 60 years.
The AGF noted that, the development had therefore, statutorily extended the tenure of office of Egbetokun to and including 31st day of October, 2027 in order to complete the four year tenure granted to him.Fagbemi therefore held that, for the guidance of the general public and for the avoidance of doubt, Egbetokun’s continous stay in office is in line with the provisions of the Police Act amended in 2024 which allow the occupant of the office to enjoy a term of four years effective from the date of his appointment as IGP, in this case, 31st day of October 2023.However growing number of critics have described his continued stay in office as illegal.The most recent is that of the convener #Revolutionnow movement Omoyele Sowore, who also described Egbetokun’s continued stay in office as illegal on social media, which led to his arrest and arraignment before the Federal high court in Abuja, which he pleaded not guilty to a 16-count charge bothering on cybercrime, preferred against him by the Inspector General of Police.
The Police Service Commission rose from its first extraordinary Meeting with the approval for the immediate retirement of senior Police Officers who have spent more than 35 years in service and those above 60 years of age.
The Commission at its 24th Plenary Meeting of 27th and 28th September 2017 had approved that the Force Entrants should have their date of appointment in the Force against the date of their enlistment.
The Commission has passionately revisited their decision and has come to the conclusion that the said decision in its intent and purpose contradicted the principle of merger of service in the Public service and it is in violation of Public Service Rule No 020908 ( i & ii) which provides for retirement on attainment of 35 years in service or 60 years of age.
Accordingly, the Commission at its 1st extra ordinary meeting of the 6th Management Board held today, Friday, 31st January 2025, approved the immediate retirement of those officers who have spent more than 35 years in service and those above 60 years of age.
The Commission Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu, rtd, mni, presided over the extraordinary Meeting and had Justice Adamu Paul Galumje, retired Justice of the Supreme Court and Hon Commissioner representing the Judiciary; DIG Taiwo Lakanu rtd, fdc, Honourable Commissioner representing the Police and Chief Onyemuchi Nnamani, Secretary to the Commission in attendance.
Ikechukwu Ani, the spokesman of the Commission disclosed that the Commission’s decision has been conveyed to the Inspector General of Police for implementation.
The Nigeria Police Force hereby refutes, in clear and unequivocal terms, the baseless and misleading claims recently attributed to Mr. Omoyele Sowore alleging that the tenure of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, is illegal. Such claims are entirely unfounded and seek to undermine the legitimacy of the IGP’s appointment as well as public confidence in the Nigeria Police.
In statement signed by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Spokesman, it says that IGP Egbetokun’s appointment is firmly grounded in law, specifically PART III, Section 7 (6) of the Police Act, 2020 (as amended). This provision explicitly states that “The person appointed to the office of the Inspector-General of Police shall hold office for four years.” Moreover, his appointment was duly ratified by the Police Council, and he has received the requisite confirmation letter from the Presidency, validating his tenure from October 31, 2023, to October 31, 2027, in line with the provisions of Section 8A of the executive bill passed which amended the Police Act, clearly stating that “Any person appointed to the office of Inspector-General of Police shall remain in office until the end of term stipulated in the letter of appointment in line with the provisions of section 7(6) of this Act. The amendment aims to provide stability and continuity in the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force, enabling the IGP to implement long-term plans and policies without fear of abrupt termination. This change is expected to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the police force in maintaining law and order in the country.
It is crucial for members of the public to be aware that IGP Egbetokun’s status as the 22nd Indigenous Inspector-General of Police is both legally and procedurally sound. The Nigeria Police Force views Mr. Sowore’s unfounded assertions as an attempt to erode public trust and foster confusion regarding the force’s leadership. Dissemination of inaccurate information, particularly about the IGP’s standing, has the potential to compromise the security framework of our nation and impede our collective efforts to ensure peace and order.
The Nigeria Police hereby cautions individuals and groups against perpetuating such unfounded narratives that can mislead the public and jeopardize national security. We urge all citizens to focus on objective discussions that advance our shared mission of safeguarding lives and property, rather than indulging in disinformation that may undermine the significant strides we continue to make in maintaining public safety.
The leadership of the Police Service Commission has paid a courtesy visit on the Senate President, Chief Godswil Akpabio, GCON, who used the occasion of the visit to call for more recruitment exercises in the face of the security challenges in the country.
Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd mni, who led the delegation had informed the Senate President of pressing challenges undermining its performance which included poor funding and the need for independent budgetary allocation to the Commission.
DIG Argungu also made a case for the establishment of functional Zonal offices due to the geographical challenges of operating from a single location while oversighting Police Officers in the 747 local government areas and police stations across the country.
The PSC Chairman expressed the gratitude of the Commission to the Senate President for the close working relationship between the Commission and the National Assembly which he said has significantly enhanced the work of the Commission.
Chief Akpabio in his response said the need for more Police Recruitment was overdue but noted that there must be proper and effective screening of candidates to ensure that the best candidates are selected especially with the state of under policing in the country.
He assured the Commission that he would take up its problems with Mr. President and work towards finding a resolution.
The Senate President commended the Commission leadership and urged them to continue to fulfil its mandate and persist in its endeavour to ensure a smooth and effective running of the organisation.
Ikechukwu Ani, the Commission’s Head of Press and public Relations, said that those Present at the meeting were, the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin; Senator osita Ngwu representing Enugu West and Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi while Justice Adamu Paul Galumje, retired Justice of the Supreme Court and Commissioner representing the Judiciary in the Commission and Chief Onyemuche Nnamani, Secretary to the Commission accompanied the Hon Chairman of the Commission.
In a resolute and uncompromising enforcement initiative designed to restore traffic discipline and facilitate the unhindered movement of vehicles, operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) have apprehended 125 recalcitrant commercial buses and 48 privately owned vehicles for flagrant violations, including unauthorized parking and severe road obstructions. This sweeping crackdown was executed across notorious gridlock-prone corridors such as Idumota, Ijaye Street, Martins, Ereko, Nnamdi Azikiwe by Tom Jones, Ebute-Ero, Oyingbo, Ijora, Adeniji Adele, and Iddo.
This rigorous enforcement underscores LASTMA’s unwavering commitment to eradicating chronic traffic congestion and mitigating reckless road practices, particularly among commercial transport operators and private motorists who flout established regulations. A significant number of the offenders were caught engaging in perilous maneuvers, such as driving against traffic (one-way) and executing hazardous reversals from Iddo to Idumota to pick up passengers—reckless actions that have precipitated multiple road accidents and senseless loss of lives.
Spearheading this decisive operation was the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, acting under the strategic directive of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr. Sola Giwa. The initiative specifically targeted unauthorized garages that have long served as catalysts for intractable gridlocks, inflicting undue hardship on commuters and residents alike.
Reaffirming that this crackdown represents an ongoing and sustained effort, Mr. Bakare-Oki emphasized its alignment with the overarching vision of the Lagos State Government to optimize the efficiency of the metropolis’ transportation infrastructure.
“The state government remains resolute in its enforcement of traffic regulations and the restoration of order on our roads. The proliferation of illegal garages and indiscriminate obstructions by both commercial and private vehicles continues to be a formidable impediment to our goal of achieving seamless mobility within Lagos,” he asserted.
These stringent enforcement measures serve as an unequivocal warning to all road users that flagrant disregard for traffic laws will no longer be tolerated.
“Our ultimate objective is to cultivate a transportation ecosystem that is safe, orderly, and highly efficient for all road users. This enforcement drive represents a pivotal step toward actualizing that vision,” Mr. Bakare-Oki reiterated.
He further highlighted that notorious congestion hotspots such as Iddo to Idumota, Oyingbo, Ebute-Ero, and the Adeniji Adele roundabout have been perpetually plagued by illegal parking and the proliferation of makeshift garages—an issue that must be decisively addressed.
“The indiscriminate operations of commercial bus drivers not only obstruct vehicular movement but also constitute a grave hazard to pedestrian safety. LASTMA’s intervention is imperative to dismantle these bottlenecks and facilitate seamless traffic circulation in these critical locations,” he added.
In response to this initiative, residents and business owners have expressed strong approval, acknowledging its profound impact on easing daily commutes and revitalizing commercial activities.
LASTMA has assured the public that this operation will be systematically extended to other areas afflicted by unauthorized parking and related infractions.
The General Manager urged all motorists to adhere strictly to traffic regulations and cooperate with authorities to avoid punitive measures. Additionally, he called on the general public to actively contribute to maintaining order by promptly reporting abandoned or broken-down trailers and trucks to LASTMA via the agency’s toll-free hotline: 080000527862
In a resolute and uncompromising enforcement initiative designed to restore traffic discipline and facilitate the unhindered movement of vehicles, operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) have apprehended 125 recalcitrant commercial buses and 48 privately owned vehicles for flagrant violations, including unauthorized parking and severe road obstructions. This sweeping crackdown was executed across notorious gridlock-prone corridors such as Idumota, Ijaye Street, Martins, Ereko, Nnamdi Azikiwe by Tom Jones, Ebute-Ero, Oyingbo, Ijora, Adeniji Adele, and Iddo.
This rigorous enforcement underscores LASTMA’s unwavering commitment to eradicating chronic traffic congestion and mitigating reckless road practices, particularly among commercial transport operators and private motorists who flout established regulations. A significant number of the offenders were caught engaging in perilous maneuvers, such as driving against traffic (one-way) and executing hazardous reversals from Iddo to Idumota to pick up passengers—reckless actions that have precipitated multiple road accidents and senseless loss of lives.
Spearheading this decisive operation was the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, acting under the strategic directive of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr. Sola Giwa. The initiative specifically targeted unauthorized garages that have long served as catalysts for intractable gridlocks, inflicting undue hardship on commuters and residents alike.
Reaffirming that this crackdown represents an ongoing and sustained effort, Mr. Bakare-Oki emphasized its alignment with the overarching vision of the Lagos State Government to optimize the efficiency of the metropolis’ transportation infrastructure.
“The state government remains resolute in its enforcement of traffic regulations and the restoration of order on our roads. The proliferation of illegal garages and indiscriminate obstructions by both commercial and private vehicles continues to be a formidable impediment to our goal of achieving seamless mobility within Lagos,” he asserted.
These stringent enforcement measures serve as an unequivocal warning to all road users that flagrant disregard for traffic laws will no longer be tolerated.
“Our ultimate objective is to cultivate a transportation ecosystem that is safe, orderly, and highly efficient for all road users. This enforcement drive represents a pivotal step toward actualizing that vision,” Mr. Bakare-Oki reiterated.
He further highlighted that notorious congestion hotspots such as Iddo to Idumota, Oyingbo, Ebute-Ero, and the Adeniji Adele roundabout have been perpetually plagued by illegal parking and the proliferation of makeshift garages—an issue that must be decisively addressed.
“The indiscriminate operations of commercial bus drivers not only obstruct vehicular movement but also constitute a grave hazard to pedestrian safety. LASTMA’s intervention is imperative to dismantle these bottlenecks and facilitate seamless traffic circulation in these critical locations,” he added.
In response to this initiative, residents and business owners have expressed strong approval, acknowledging its profound impact on easing daily commutes and revitalizing commercial activities.
LASTMA has assured the public that this operation will be systematically extended to other areas afflicted by unauthorized parking and related infractions.
The General Manager urged all motorists to adhere strictly to traffic regulations and cooperate with authorities to avoid punitive measures. Additionally, he called on the general public to actively contribute to maintaining order by promptly reporting abandoned or broken-down trailers and trucks to LASTMA via the agency’s toll-free hotline: 080000527862LASTMA Clapdown On Traffic Violators, Impounds 125 Commercial Vehicles, 48 Private Cars In a resolute and uncompromising enforcement initiative designed to restore traffic discipline and facilitate the unhindered movement of vehicles, operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) have apprehended 125 recalcitrant commercial buses and 48 privately owned vehicles for flagrant violations, including unauthorized parking and severe road obstructions. This sweeping crackdown was executed across notorious gridlock-prone corridors such as Idumota, Ijaye Street, Martins, Ereko, Nnamdi Azikiwe by Tom Jones, Ebute-Ero, Oyingbo, Ijora, Adeniji Adele, and Iddo. This rigorous enforcement underscores LASTMA’s unwavering commitment to eradicating chronic traffic congestion and mitigating reckless road practices, particularly among commercial transport operators and private motorists who flout established regulations. A significant number of the offenders were caught engaging in perilous maneuvers, such as driving against traffic (one-way) and executing hazardous reversals from Iddo to Idumota to pick up passengers—reckless actions that have precipitated multiple road accidents and senseless loss of lives. Spearheading this decisive operation was the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, acting under the strategic directive of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr. Sola Giwa. The initiative specifically targeted unauthorized garages that have long served as catalysts for intractable gridlocks, inflicting undue hardship on commuters and residents alike. Reaffirming that this crackdown represents an ongoing and sustained effort, Mr. Bakare-Oki emphasized its alignment with the overarching vision of the Lagos State Government to optimize the efficiency of the metropolis’ transportation infrastructure.
“The state government remains resolute in its enforcement of traffic regulations and the restoration of order on our roads. The proliferation of illegal garages and indiscriminate obstructions by both commercial and private vehicles continues to be a formidable impediment to our goal of achieving seamless mobility within Lagos,” he asserted. These stringent enforcement measures serve as an unequivocal warning to all road users that flagrant disregard for traffic laws will no longer be tolerated. “Our ultimate objective is to cultivate a transportation ecosystem that is safe, orderly, and highly efficient for all road users. This enforcement drive represents a pivotal step toward actualizing that vision,” Mr. Bakare-Oki reiterated. He further highlighted that notorious congestion hotspots such as Iddo to Idumota, Oyingbo, Ebute-Ero, and the Adeniji Adele roundabout have been perpetually plagued by illegal parking and the proliferation of makeshift garages—an issue that must be decisively addressed. “The indiscriminate operations of commercial bus drivers not only obstruct vehicular movement but also constitute a grave hazard to pedestrian safety. LASTMA’s intervention is imperative to dismantle these bottlenecks and facilitate seamless traffic circulation in these critical locations,” he added. In response to this initiative, residents and business owners have expressed strong approval, acknowledging its profound impact on easing daily commutes and revitalizing commercial activities. LASTMA has assured the public that this operation will be systematically extended to other areas afflicted by unauthorized parking and related infractions. The General Manager urged all motorists to adhere strictly to traffic regulations and cooperate with authorities to avoid punitive measures. Additionally, he called on the general public to actively contribute to maintaining order by promptly reporting abandoned or broken-down trailers and trucks to LASTMA via the agency’s toll-free hotline: 080000527862
