By ebosele@hotmail.com
The Lagos State Ministry of Transportation has raised alarm over the activities of fraudsters issuing fake vehicle documents to unsuspecting motorists across the state, warning that such illegal practices pose serious risks to public safety and violate existing laws.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, condemned the activities of unscrupulous individuals producing counterfeit documents, including Roadworthiness Certificates and other vehicle particulars.
City Business News reports that the Commissioner stressed that vehicle documentation remains a statutory responsibility handled exclusively by authorized agencies under the Ministry, noting that any document obtained outside these official channels is invalid and constitutes a criminal offence.
The Commissioner cautioned motorists against patronizing unauthorized agents, emphasizing that doing so not only compromises safety on the roads but also exposes offenders to possible prosecution.
According to the Ministry, enforcement operations have been intensified in collaboration with security agencies to track down and apprehend those involved in the illegal trade. Offenders, it warned, will face the full weight of the law when caught.
Motorists were also urged to verify the authenticity of service providers before engaging them and to report suspicious activities through designated channels.
The Ministry provided hotlines — 09020004000 and 09020009000 — for the public to report fraudulent activities and seek verification where necessary.
City Business News reports that the warning comes as part of ongoing efforts by the Lagos State Government to sanitize the transport sector and ensure compliance with regulatory standards across the state.
