The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has denied “in no equivocal terms” that its operatives are culpable for the dead body found hanging by the gate of an Estate along Lagos – Shagamu Expressway, Lagos
In a press statement issued by Adebayo Taofiq, the agency’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, reads,
“LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, has debunked rumours circulating on Social Media insinuating that the deceased’s vehicle was impounded by officers of the agency.”
Mr. Bakare Oki confirmed that the body was discovered early hour of yesterday (Thursday, 11th of July, 2004) by passersby and was immediately reported to the police at Shagamu Road.
“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 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.
“It is unfortunate that the incident occurred by an Estate gate along Lagos – Shagamu Expressway” said Mr. Bakare Oki.
The dead body found hanging by the gate of an Estate along Lagos – Shagamu Expreeway, Ikorodu
Olalekan Bakare-Oki, GM, LASTMA – sympathies with the family
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 center (080000527862)
Meanwhile, the body of the deceased was evacuated by State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit (SEHMU), Yaba, Lagos.
