13th May, 2014
Cyriacus Izuekwe
An official of the Lagos State Transport Management Authority, LASTMA, Mr. Saliu Mutiu, has been dismissed and arraigned before a Lagos court in western Nigeria, for allegedly receiving N1,000 bribe from a motorist.
The 34-year old Mutiu was arraigned before Oshodi Magistrates’ Court on a three-count charge of conspiracy to wit, impersonation and extorting money from motorists.
The Level 4 officer was sacked after the LASTMA management received several reports about Mutiu’s illegal collection of bribes from motorists.
Subsequently, the management of LASTMA tried him and found him guilty and dismissed him from service.
After he was sacked, Mutiu continued extorting money from motorists.
He reportedly met his waterloo when he paraded himself as a LASTMA official and collected a bribe of N1,000 from a motorist, Muritala Hakeem, for committing an undisclosed traffic offence.
The matter was reported to the police attached to Mosafejo, Oshodi, and he was arrested while wearing LASTMA uniform.
When he was arraigned, he pleaded not guilty.
The presiding Magistrate, Mr. A. A. Fashola granted him bail in the sum of 100,000 naira with two sureties in like sum.
He was remanded in Kirikiri Prison pending when he will meet his bail conditions.
The matter was adjourned till 16 July, 2014.