2nd June, 2010
About 750 fake driver’s licenses and other traffic documents by motorists have been impounded by the Ayobo zone of the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), Lagos, Nigeria.
Statistics made available to P.M.NEWS revealed that the seizure of the fake documents spanned between January and April 2010, while rickety vehicles and others without authentic roadworthy approval were also impounded.
It was gathered that despite the enlightenment campaign programmes in schools, companies and motor parks in the area when the Ayobo zone of the VIO was established about two years ago, the motorists failed to comply.
P.M.NEWS investigation also revealed that some of the touts who issue fake traffic documents to motorists were arrested and persecuted through the law courts.
One of these cases was that of a man who allegedly issued fake vehicle particulars to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Marvel Akpoyibo.
The suspect was said to have been arrested and detained at the Ipaja Police Headquarters, Alagolo, before he was charged to court.
The VIOs, it was learnt, have spread their dragnet to fish out the fake documents’ cartel that specialise in issuance of fake insurance papers, vehicle license and driver’s license.
Motorists, on their part, accused the VIO officials of extortion at every point of their operation, an allegation which was described by the traffic authority as a cheap blackmail aimed at discouraging them from performing their legitimate duties.
The zonal head, Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO), Ayobo zone, Engr. Femi Famuyide declined comments when contacted.
saying he was not in the position to speak for the organisation and referred P.M.NEWS to the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation.
—Jide Osokoya