A serious controversy has hit the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, following the mysterious disappearance of an excavator reportedly worth N70 million from the agency’s yard.
According to the PUNCH, the heavy-duty machine, which had been impounded and parked at the LASTMA headquarters in Lagos for more than ten years, was discovered missing after staff resumed work following the Sallah holiday on June 10.
Sources within the agency, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the theft has caused confusion among workers, with many accusing top officials of trying to cover up the case. The excavator was said to have been removed from the premises without proper clearance.
“That excavator was impounded over 10 years ago. Vehicles like that don’t just leave without following due process,” one insider said.
According to findings, a PSP (Private Sector Participant) operator who owns a tow truck came to the yard and presented a signed document at the gate. The paper, believed to be an approval, was accepted by the security, and the excavator was taken away.
“We later found out that a PSP operator brought in a document signed by a LASTMA official, which gave him access to remove the excavator,” the source added.
Reports claim that the excavator was dismantled and sold off as scrap shortly after it was moved out of the yard.
While one of the suspects, known to operate towing vehicles on behalf of LASTMA, has been detained and questioned, the second person who allegedly signed the release paper has not been arrested or even invited for questioning.
“There’s no fairness in detaining just one person when the other who approved the release is walking free. We believe he’s being protected by some top people inside LASTMA,” a staff member alleged.
When contacted for comment, LASTMA’s spokesperson, Taofeek Adebayo, declined to speak but introduced an Assistant General Manager of the agency. However, the AGM also refused to give any details.
“What I will say is this: The management will respond at the appropriate time. In my capacity, I cannot give you any information,” the AGM told newsmen.
When pressed further, he added, “We will get back to you,” but did not follow up before the story was published.
Efforts to reach LASTMA’s General Manager, Bakare Oki-Olalekan, were not successful, as calls to his phone were not answered.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Ministry of Transport, Bolanle Ogunlola, said the ministry was not in the best position to speak on the matter.
“I think you should try to speak with the GM of LASTMA. He may have information about it,” she advised.
As of the time of this report, no official statement has been released by LASTMA on the incident.
