By Our Correspondent

National News – The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has cleared its officials of alleged extortion after an internal investigation into claims that operatives collected N100,000 from commercial bus drivers along the Coastal Road corridor in Lagos.

The agency’s General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, in a statement issued on Sunday, April 13, 2026, said a panel found that the drivers were penalised for traffic violations, particularly obstruction, in line with existing regulations.

He explained that all fines were duly paid into designated government accounts, with documentary evidence confirming lawful enforcement and effectively debunking allegations of extortion by officers.

The findings, according to the agency, unequivocally established that enforcement actions were legal, as officers acted within their mandate and followed due process in handling traffic offences along the corridor.

Bakare-Oki warned against the spread of unverified and defamatory reports, stressing that misinformation undermines public trust, while reaffirming LASTMA’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and professional traffic management in Lagos State.

He added that while constructive criticism is welcome, reports must be based on verifiable facts, noting that the agency remains open to engagement through official channels and complaint systems for clarification.

The agency also highlighted feedback mechanisms such as toll-free lines and a dedicated complaints unit, urging the public and media to report grievances responsibly to maintain order and efficiency on Lagos roads.