Driver accused of assaulting LASTMA officer with pestle arrested in Lagos
By Emmanuel Awosika
A bus driver, Fred Onwuche, accused of of assaulting a Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officer with a pestle has been arrested, authorities confirm.
The suspect allegedly hit the officer, Kosoko Razak, on the head with a pestle after both of them got into an heated argument following his arrest around Jakande, Lagos for failing to use a seat-belt.
LASTMA General Manager condemned the assault on the officer in a statement, adding that the suspect would face prosecution.
His words: “The brutish attack on the officer by the suspect is condemnable and uncalled for. The way and manner it was carried out, it was like a premeditated attempt to kill the officer.
“We must, therefore, send a strong signal to others like the attacker by ensuring that the culprit is punished to the full extent of the law.
“The law must go full circle in this case. There should be no shifting of ground or out-of-court settlement of this matter that could have thrown the agency, colleagues and the family of Mr Razak into mourning, if not for divine intervention.
“This is not the first attack on a LASTMA official, some of whom have died after being attacked at work. LASTMA will remain focused on its duties despite intimidation and assault on its personnel, and anyone caught harassing its officers will pay dearly for such offences as stipulated by the law.”
The LASTMA boss further implored drivers to follow traffic laws to avoid arrest by officials.
The victim was reportedly taken to the hospital for treatment. Meanwhile, the suspect accused of of assaulting the LASTMA officer is presently cooling his heels at the Ilasan Police Station.
