A violent confrontation between officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and angry youths erupted on Tuesday in the Super area of Abule-Egba, Lagos, following the death of a motorist who was struck by another vehicle while fleeing arrest.

The incident began when LASTMA officers and police, who were conducting an enforcement operation, stopped the driver of a Toyota Corolla for allegedly driving in the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lane.

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According to witnesses, the driver, unaware that he had entered the restricted lane, pleaded with the officers, explaining that there were no signs indicating the BRT lane’s boundaries.

Tolupe, a witness at the scene, recounted the tense moments: “The government agencies insisted that the driver must grease their palms with N100,000, but the driver started begging that he had only N40,000 to part with. The government agencies threatened to tow the vehicle to their office and confiscate it.”

Tolupe further explained that the situation escalated when the driver and his younger brother tried to negotiate, offering N70,000 instead of the full amount.

However, the officers insisted on the N100,000 payment. “One of the officials told the driver to go to a nearby POS to withdraw the money and give it to them, and then he would get his vehicle back.”

While the negotiations were still ongoing, another vehicle, allegedly also fleeing from LASTMA enforcement for driving in the BRT lane, collided with the Corolla.

The impact killed the driver instantly, and his brother, who was badly injured, was rushed to the hospital.

The tragic event sparked outrage among passersby and local traders, who accused the authorities of exploiting motorists.

A trader who spoke to reporters said, “Look at the road, are there any signs to show that it is a BRT lane? If you are not familiar with the road, there’s no way you wouldn’t accidentally enter the BRT lane.”

The trader continued, “The Police and LASTMA have been using this means to rob unsuspecting motorists of their hard-earned money. Today, they’ve finally killed an about-to-wed man. If the greedy officials had accepted the N70,000 the deceased offered, the reckless driver wouldn’t have crashed into them.”

As the news of the death spread, angry protestors barricaded the BRT lane with the wrecked Corolla, demanding justice and an end to the alleged extortion by LASTMA and the police.

Protesters gathered in large numbers, chanting songs of protest and resisting attempts by the police to clear the area.

“We are calling on the state government to withdraw the police and LASTMA from this area,” one protestor said. “They are only here to make money for themselves, not to serve the people.”

Meanwhile, police patrol vehicles were on the scene, attempting to retrieve the vehicle used to block the BRT lane, but the protestors stood firm in their resistance.

Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident, stating, “I am aware that a driver who broke the law by passing through the BRT lane hit a man, and the man died. I have not been properly briefed on the full details yet.”

A New York judge, Juan Merchan, has again delayed sentencing for former President Donald Trump in his high-profile hush-money case, rescheduling the decision for November 19.

The case centers on allegations of hush-money payments Trump reportedly arranged to adult film star Stormy Daniels during his 2016 campaign, intended to cover up claims about their past relationship.

This legal development marks yet another delay in a lengthy court process that has seen Trump’s defense team file numerous motions challenging various aspects of the case.

In response to a joint application, the court granted the delay, stating, “The joint application for a stay of the current deadlines… until November 19, is granted,” according to a court email shared with AFP.

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The former president faces 34 felony charges linked to falsifying business records.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office argues these alleged falsifications were intended to avoid New York’s election laws, thus constituting an illegal campaign contribution. Trump’s defense contends that the payments were legitimate legal expenses and do not violate any laws.

This case is one of four criminal proceedings Trump faces as he campaigns for the White House again. Despite these legal challenges, he won the November 5 election against Kamala Harris, a victory that has impacted ongoing investigations and legal actions against him.

Special prosecutor Jack Smith, who oversees federal probes into Trump’s alleged election interference and classified documents case, has reportedly scaled back the investigations, with a potential delay in any further prosecution until after Trump assumes office on January 25, 2025.

As Trump prepares for his return to office, the outcome of his pending cases remains uncertain, raising questions about the legal implications for a sitting president.

The federal government is working relentlessly to tackle Nigeria’s security challenges, with top officials making substantial efforts to address threats from terrorism and insurgency, according to Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

Appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Tunji-Ojo stated that Nigeria’s top security leaders are deeply committed to securing the nation, working “without rest” to protect citizens.

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“Nobody is resting. Not the NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, not the Minister of Defence, not the Chief of Defence Staff, not the DSS,” Tunji-Ojo remarked.

“Nobody is sleeping; we are working. This security issue is a major issue of national concern, and I will not sit here and refuse to take responsibility for the security of Nigerians on behalf of the President.”

The minister emphasized that, since President Bola Tinubu took office, there have been notable improvements in security, particularly in curtailing the activities of Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP).

Tunji-Ojo credited the current administration with taking “decisive actions” that have helped secure lives and property.

Responding to recent attacks by an emerging terror group in Sokoto and Kebbi states, the minister acknowledged the urgency of the situation, urging Nigerians to remain patient as the government strengthens its security efforts.

He also called on citizens not to judge Tinubu’s administration prematurely, stressing that the President remains sensitive to the country’s security needs.

“Do not judge the President or this administration by the level of assurance. Talk is cheap; the real deal is the action,” he said.

Reflecting on the administration’s progress since May 29, 2023, Tunji-Ojo noted that while challenges remain, significant strides have been made.

“Have we gotten to where we want to get to? The answer is no. Are we where we were? The answer is no. We have made progress,” he said.

As security forces continue operations across the country, the administration remains committed to addressing both immediate threats and establishing long-term measures to secure Nigeria.