Dare Babalola
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested seven people for allegedly attacking officials of the Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA).
The General Manager, LASPA, Adebisi Adelabu made this known in a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday.
According to Adelabu, the seven suspects are staff and security personnel of Better Mart, Badore Road, Off Addo Road, Ajah and Ashley Mall in Epe.
The LASPA boss noted that suspected attackers are currently detained at the Badore Police Station, Lekki, pending the conclusion of a preliminary investigation before prosecution in court.
Adelabu vowed that anyone guilty of attacking government officials carrying out their lawful duties would face the wrath of the law.
She disclosed that the State Government strongly condemns the act of attacking its officials on assignment and warns that severe consequences will be meted out to the perpetrators according to the relevant laws
She noted that Chapter 17, Section 117 of the Criminal laws of Lagos, states that any person who in any manner, “Obstructs or resists Any public officer while engaged in the discharge of duties of his office under any law or Act or regulation, commits a felony and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for 3 years or to a fine of #200,000 naira only”.
The General Manager further emphasised that the State Parking Regulations require that every organization and commercial centre should secure parking permits from LASPA for proper parking management noting that the Agency’s team was out on a routine exercise to check compliance when they were attacked which resulted in the injury of officials of the State Government.
She therefore warned that any further attack on LASPA officials or any government officials doing their official duties will attract appropriate punishment not just on the perpetrators but also the Landlords/Tenants of wherever such acts were committed.
