Some officials of the Nigeria Customs Service have reportedly unleashed havoc on the Mile 2 office of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, vandalising four vehicles among other valuables, in a bid to release an impounded vehicle.
It was learnt that a LASTMA official, Musiliu Edu, and a police corporal, Saliu Isiaka, were beaten for recording the incident with their mobile phones.
Another official, Wensu Idowu, was reportedly hospitalised, after he was hit with the butt of a gun in the mouth, while the crisis raged.
Our correspondent learnt that a Honda Pilot, marked, EKY 521 CZ, and belonging to a senior customs official, had been impounded by LASTMA operatives on Tuesday morning.
The driver of the vehicle was said to be driving against traffic at the Coconut area of Mile 2.
An hour after the arrest, the customs officials in a convoy of three patrol vehicles, reportedly stormed the Mile 2 office and started inflicting injuries on LASTMA officials.
In a statement on Sunday, the zonal head, LASTMA, Mr. Victor Adeyanju, said his men were attacked after the customs officials’ demand for the unconditional release of the vehicle was turned down.
He said, “When they came, they were told there was a standard procedure for the release of vehicles.
“This, however, made them angry and they started beating our men, including dragging some of them on the floor. They threatened not to leave the premises without the impounded vehicle.”
It was learnt that it took the intervention of policemen from the FESTAC Police Station to restore normalcy in the area.
While some of the officials reportedly fled the scene, one of the patrol vehicles they brought was said to have been taken to the station.
The impounded jeep was also said to have been deposited at the LASTMA Headquarters in Oshodi.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Babatunde Edu, while confirming the incident, said, “Military and paramilitary agents must see LASTMA officials as partners who are out to ensure sanity on the road.”
The Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operation Unit, Ikeja, Lagos, Uche Ejesieme, said, “ I have contacted all our patrol teams and its likely that none of them is involved as alleged.
“However, we shall investigate and if actually any of our officers is indicted, the controller will take appropriate steps to sanction such officer. “Like I said earlier, such acts cannot come from FOU A operatives. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
LASTMA's oga at the top, Fashola, created the disaffection between the federal agencies and his own people. He already has a thinking that Lagos is superior to Nigeria. LASTMA will continue to see this type of stuff as long as that mind-set persists.
ReplyDeleteAnonymousSeptember 1, 2014 at 8:41 AM. My friend your talking giberish rubbish, if you dont know what to say, just close your smelling gutter mouth.
DeleteCORRUPT GREEDY CROOKS(NCS) Vs CORRUPT GREEDY IDIOTS(LASTMA). Make una kill one another no qualms.
ReplyDeleteMr Anonymous. There is no problem. Military/paramilitary/police should break law all bcos of uniform. No problem, I can really see that Nigeria is very far from vision 20:20:20.
ReplyDeleteWhy is LASTMA impounding vehicles instead of the driver. They will let go driver and keep vehicle. There has to be a system that gives some credibility to the LASTMA. Customs invading the LASTMA office should be looked into and who ever give that order should be prosecuted according to the rule of law. It is sad that some people will think that power over the little guy is something to be proud of and continue to be perpetuated.
ReplyDeleteMr. Alani,you're probably out of d country & don't have an idea how lawless our law enforcement agents are. As a matter of fact,they break the law more than ordinary citizens. Most times you see them accompanying civilians & protecting them while they break d law. If you want to break d law,drive against the traffic,carry contraband goods,or any other lawbreaking activities,just carry any uniformed man/woman & your immunity is guaranteed. Infact the real manace against the law are the law enforcement agents. Just follow up this case & see how nothing will come out of it. Don't you see how one of high ranking officers have started denying the occurrence,the next news you will hear now is that the actions & vandalism was done by area boys who were within the area at that time. No laws in this country jare!
ReplyDelete