Lagos orders psychiatric test for 18 traffic offenders

The Lagos State Government has ordered psychiatric evaluations for 18 motorists caught driving against traffic on one-way routes.

Officials say this bold move targets lawless driving and aims to restore sanity on the roads.

LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, confirmed the directive in a statement released Sunday, July 27.

He emphasized that the tests are part of a wider strategy to promote public safety and reduce deadly traffic violations.

According to him, the 18 offenders will face immediate prosecution. As part of their arraignment, each driver must undergo a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation.

The goal, Bakare-Oki explained, is to assess their mental fitness and behavioral stability.

“The Lagos government doesn’t view this as punishment,” Bakare-Oki stated. “Rather, it’s a preventive step to stop reckless driving and protect other road users.”

The directive follows weeks of public complaints and rising incidents caused by one-way violators.

Despite ongoing awareness campaigns, many drivers continue to flout traffic rules, leading to deadly crashes and road congestion.

Bakare-Oki said Lagos has finalized the legal framework for prosecuting the offenders.

He also noted that psychiatric assessments align with global best practices in traffic psychology and enforcement.

“This move isn’t to shame anyone,” he said. “But drivers who show disregard for human life need urgent intervention before tragedy strikes.”

LASTMA insists it remains committed to enforcing the law and promoting order. The agency called on Lagos residents to obey road signs, drive responsibly, and report violators.

Bakare-Oki ended with a strong warning: “If you break traffic laws, there will be consequences. We won’t tolerate indiscipline on our roads.”

This directive signals a new phase in Lagos’ war against traffic indiscipline. And with psychiatric evaluations now in the picture, errant drivers may no longer get off lightly.

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