No link between LASTMA, estate gate suicide – GM

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has debunked “in no equivocal terms” rumours that its operatives were responsible for a dead body found hanging by the gate of an Estate along Lagos – Shagamu Expressway, Lagos.

LASTMA General Manager, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, on Friday debunked the claims circulating on Social Media insinuating that the deceased’s vehicle was impounded by officers of the agency.

Oki confirmed that the body was discovered in the early hours of Thursday, 11th of July, 2004 by passersby and was immediately reported to the police at Shagamu Road, but said the officers of the agency were not responsible for the tragedy as claimed.

A copy of the statement made available to our correspondent read partly, “Several speculations were made by sympathisers present at the scene. Some said he was dressed like a motorcyclist (Okada rider), while some speculated he was a tricyclist (Marwa rider).

“Some even believed he was brought to the scene by his killers during the wee hours of midnight, and stage managed it to give it the semblance of suicide because the victim’s leg was touching the ground.

“For brevity, no one could really identify him as either an Okada or Marwa rider from amongst several operators of Okada and Marwa who visited the scene.”

Oki added, “It is unfortunate that the incident occurred by an Estate gate along the Lagos – Shagamu Expressway.”

While expressing sympathy to the deceased’s family, the General Manager warned those spreading unfounded reports to verify information before disseminating it.

He urged the public, especially motorists, to seek clarification on any traffic information through the Agency’s newly commissioned toll-free call centre (080000527862).

Meanwhile, the body of the deceased was evacuated by the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit, Yaba, Lagos.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Contact: [email protected]