The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) is under intense scrutiny following allegations of a cover-up involving the theft of an impounded excavator valued at approximately N70 million. The incident, which reportedly occurred on June 10, has led to widespread confusion within the agency, with staff members accusing senior management of protecting one of the suspects implicated in the case.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the excavator had been parked at LASTMA’s headquarters for more than a decade after being impounded. The theft was discovered when employees returned to work after the Sallah holiday and noticed the equipment was missing.
An insider revealed, “That excavator was impounded over 10 years ago. Such vehicles are only removed after proper documentation and approval. But when we returned from the Sallah break, we noticed it was no longer there.”
Preliminary investigations suggest that a Private Sector Participant (PSP) operator, who owns a tow truck, gained access to the yard by presenting a signed document at the agency’s gate. The document, allegedly signed by a second suspect, authorized the removal of the excavator.
Further findings indicated that the excavator, estimated to be worth at least N70 million, was dismantled and sold as scrap. While one suspect, a tow vehicle operator contracted by LASTMA, has been detained and interrogated, the second suspect—believed to have signed the release document—has not been questioned or arrested.
A source lamented, “It would be wrong to put all the blame on one person when the suspect who approved the theft was not arrested and detained. We believe he’s being protected by powerful interests within the agency.”
Efforts to obtain comments from LASTMA’s spokesperson, Taofeek Adebayo, and an Assistant General Manager were unsuccessful, as both officials declined to address the incident or the alleged cover-up. “The management will respond at the appropriate time. In my capacity, I cannot give you any information,” the AGM stated.
Attempts to reach the General Manager of LASTMA, Bakare Oki-Olalekan, were also unsuccessful. Meanwhile, Bolanle Ogunlola, spokesperson for the Lagos State Ministry of Transport, advised that the agency was best positioned to comment on the matter.
