Six Remanded Over Assault On LASTMA Officials Along Airport Road

OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos Nigeria

The Lagos State Mobile Court has ordered the remand of six suspected miscreants arrested in connection with a violent attack on officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and other government agencies during an enforcement operation along Airport Road, Lagos.

The seven suspects were arraigned on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, before the Chief Magistrate of the Lagos State Mobile Court on a four-count charge. The court adjourned the case to February 19, 2026, for further hearing. One of the defendants, who pleaded not guilty, was granted bail, while the remaining six were remanded in custody.
The suspects were arrested during a midnight enforcement operation led by the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, in collaboration with security operatives, the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) Corps, the Lagos State Task Force and LASTMA field officers.

The operation followed complaints from the Nigerian Airport Authority (NAA) over the persistent illegal occupation of its facilities by criminal elements and non-compliant commercial bus operators along the airport corridor. The Authority had raised concerns about harassment, intimidation and theft allegedly perpetrated against members of the public in the area.

During the enforcement exercise, five officers of the joint task force were reportedly attacked with dangerous weapons, while a tow truck belonging to LASTMA was set ablaze. The incident disrupted the operation but did not deter the enforcement team.

Despite the attack, the task force continued the exercise, impounding 56 vehicles for various traffic and environmental violations. The vehicles included 44 commercial buses, five private vehicles and seven trucks.

Mr. Bakare-Oki reiterated the Lagos State Government’s commitment to protecting public infrastructure, ensuring road safety and maintaining law and order across the state. He warned that the government would not tolerate violence or intimidation by criminal elements, adding that offenders would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

He further assured residents that enforcement activities along strategic corridors in Lagos would continue in collaboration with relevant agencies to curb criminal activities and safeguard lives and property.