The table was however turned when an official of LASTMA (Lagos state transport Management Authority) was sentenced to 4 years in prison without an option of fine; he was convicted for accepting 10,000 naira. The security official claimed it was a gift for a previous good deed.

‘Injustice’ he cried out as he was led out of the dock. A cry that the Lagos state government replied to, saying that this is a litmus test that would serve as a deterrent to other criminal minded LASTMA officials. If the truth be told, the custard coloured road umpires have never really been in the good books of Lagosians. The rule of thumb for LASTMA hasn’t always really been proactive rather it has been insidiously reactive. The road user is subtly lured into committing a traffic offense and then made to part with cash on the spot. It is doubtful if the monies are remitted to the state’s coffers

Now this is not to excuse the erring road user; it is commonly said, if you can drive in Lagos, you can drive anywhere in the world. Road users have a part to play in this blame game. Many are unaware of existing traffic regulations, laws and fines, and would rather pay an ex-gratia gift to a transport official than appear before a traffic magistrate. Surprisingly the laws are clear, plain and the fines aren’t as expensive as the road side bankers want us to believe, http://connectafrica./2009/05/25/nigerias-highway-bankers/

hope it serves as a deterant to other corrupt and overzealous traffic officers bent on exploiting unsuspecting road users.