Tricycle Operator Hangs Self Over Tricycle Seizure By LASTMA

A yet-to-be-identified tricycle operator reportedly took his life in front of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) office at Odogunyan, Ikorodu, Lagos, after his vehicle was seized.

According to eyewitness reports, the incident occurred when the tricyclist was on his way to a destination within the state. Officials intercepted him for an alleged traffic violation, leading to the seizure of his tricycle. 

The officers took the vehicle to their office near the Jubilee Estate, along the Ikorodu-Sagamu Expressway.

Desperate to reclaim his means of livelihood, the tricycle operator pleaded with the officials to release his vehicle. Despite his persistent efforts, his pleas were ignored. Reports say the officials allegedly demanded a sum of ₦200,000 for the release of the tricycle, a sum the operator could not afford.

Under immense pressure from the owner of the tricycle and the inability to raise the exorbitant fee, the operator saw no way out of his predicament.

In a show of despair and protest, he reportedly went to a tree situated in front of the compound housing the offices of the Federal Road Safety Corps, LASTMA, and Vehicle Inspection Officers; there, he hung himself.

When contacted by PUNCH, the spokesperson of LASTMA, Taofiq Adebayo, said the agency did not know anything about the case, adding that no tricycle was seized by any of the officers working under the agency in the area.

“We don’t know anything about the incident. And within our premises, we don’t have any tricycle impounded by any of our officers in that area. So, LASTMA is not involved in anything of such, and we don’t know anything about the hanging of the dead body,” Adebayo said.

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