Court Remands Six Over Assault on LASTMA, Task Force Officials in Lagos

Court Remands Six Over Assault on LASTMA, Task Force Officials in Lagos

The Chief Magistrate of the Special Offences Court in Oshodi, Lagos, has remanded six of seven suspects until February 19, 2026, for allegedly assaulting traffic officials and causing grievous bodily harm while they were performing their lawful duties.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) confirmed the development in a statement on Wednesday, noting that the assaulted officers included LASTMA personnel, KAI officials, and operatives of the Lagos State Task Force.

According to LASTMA spokesperson Adebayo Taofiq, the incident followed a complaint from the Nigerian Airports Authority about motorists causing traffic congestion along the airport corridor.

“During the lawful execution of the enforcement operation, five officers of the joint task force were viciously attacked with dangerous weapons, while one of the authority’s tow trucks was deliberately set ablaze by rampaging miscreants in a desperate attempt to sabotage the exercise,” Taofiq said.

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He added that the officers displayed professionalism, restraint, and courage, despite the imminent threat to life and public property. During the operation, a total of 56 vehicles were impounded for traffic and environmental violations, including 44 commercial buses, five private cars, and seven trucks.

The suspects, who were arraigned on a four-count charge on Tuesday, pleaded not guilty. The magistrate consequently remanded six in custody, while the seventh was granted bail.

Reacting to the court’s ruling, LASTMA General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting public infrastructure, ensuring road safety, and upholding law and order.

“The government will neither capitulate to intimidation nor tolerate violence from criminal elements. Every act of lawlessness will be decisively addressed within the full weight of the law,” Bakare-Oki stated.

He assured the public that enforcement operations along strategic corridors in Lagos would continue to be intensified and strictly within the law, in collaboration with sister agencies, to eradicate criminality, restore public order, and safeguard lives and property.

Court Remands Six Over Assault on LASTMA, Task Force Officials in Lagos