Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) on Thursday said it would release impounded vehicles for minor offences after the lockdown.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had ordered the release of vehicles seized from March 1st to date during a COVID-19 briefing on Tuesday.
Sanwo-Olu said the directive to Police, LASTMA and Vehicle Inspection Services, was to reduce the financial burden on offenders, following the stay-at-home order.
LASTMA General Manager, Olajide Oduyoye, told the News Agency of Nigeria that the governor was specific about minor offences committed during the lockdown and did not cover vehicles with capital offences.
“We are going to release impounded vehicles after the lockdown without payment and that is all and that is a minor thing to do.
“What we are supposed to do, according to the governor’s statement, is to release all vehicles arrested for minor offences during the lockdown only and at the end of the lockdown.
“We are still impounding vehicles and arresting motorists violating the lockdown directive. All vehicles will be in our custody and would only be released free of charge at the end of the lockdown.”
Oduyoye appealed to residents to stop violating government restrictions.
“Do not go out in it if you are not part of those on essential service exempted from the lockdown. If you are stopped, the vehicle will be impounded. That’s my advice,” he said.
