Posted by Siseko Tapile
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When Laide Bakare, a well‑known Nollywood actress, claimed she was dragged from her car by police, the Lagos public braced for another celebrity‑vs‑law‑enforcement showdown.
The clash unfolded on a Lagos traffic stopLagos when officers pulled her vehicle for driving in a BRT lane—a dedicated corridor reserved for buses operated by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority.
The police narrative, delivered by SP Benjamin Hundeyin of the Lagos State Police Command, starkly contradicted the actress’s Instagram post, insisting that the fine of N70,000 was paid, no physical force was used, and Bakare herself chose to “create a scene.”
Lagos has long wrestled with gridlock. In 2015 the state launched the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) to manage the Bus Rapid Transit system, a network of high‑capacity buses that zip through exclusive lanes. The intention? To shave minutes off commuters’ journeys and curb emissions.
Because the BRT lanes are off‑limits to private cars, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority imposes a standard penalty of N70,000 for violations – a figure that appears in the recent case. The fine is deposited directly into government coffers, a practice meant to prevent pocket‑taking by officers.
According to the police spokesperson’s X post, Bakare’s car was stopped at the intersection of Ikorodu Road after a patrol officer observed the vehicle cruising in the BRT lane. The officer radioed for backup, and a unit from the traffic division arrived to process the infringement.
SP Hundeyin wrote: "You were stopped for contravening traffic laws by driving on the BRT lane. You chose to create a scene. You chose to remain out of your vehicle when it was being taken to the LAMATA office. And the officers were not going to succumb to your gimmick to hold them down at that spot."
Bakare’s Instagram story, posted on Sunday, October 6, alleged that officers dragged her out of the vehicle while her teenage daughter remained inside. She claimed the police acted aggressively, a charge that sparked a flurry of reactions on social media.
Within hours, the Lagos State Police Command issued a detailed rebuttal. The spokesperson emphasized that: "Not a finger was laid on you. You paid the N70,000 fine for your offence into the government coffers. You left with the receipt and your vehicle."
The statement also clarified procedural steps. After the fine was assessed, the offending vehicle is ordinarily escorted to a LAMATA office for paperwork. The police claim Bakare’s decision to stay outside the car was voluntary and not a result of force.
Hundeyin added that any suggestion of officers “dragging” the actress was unfounded, noting that the officers were merely ensuring the vehicle was moved safely to the processing point.
The episode reignited a familiar debate in Nigeria: do celebrities receive preferential treatment, or are they held to stricter scrutiny? Earlier this year, popular singer Burna Boy faced a similar BRT lane fine, prompting discussions about fairness and enforcement consistency.
On Twitter, users split into two camps. Some defended Bakare, citing the emotional stress of having a child in the car, while others echoed the police’s point that the law applies equally to all Lagos residents.
Legal analyst Dr. Chidi Okafor observed, "The critical question isn’t whether a celebrity is punished, but whether due process was followed. In this case, the police documentation—receipt, fine payment, and vehicle release—suggests procedural compliance."
Beyond the celebrity angle, the incident shines a light on Lagos’s broader traffic enforcement challenges. With the city’s population projected to exceed 15 million by 2030, maintaining order on crowded arteries is increasingly critical.
Transportation planner Aisha Bello noted, "When high‑profile cases surface, it forces the authorities to be transparent. That can improve trust, provided the police stick to evidence‑based procedures."
For everyday commuters, the message is clear: avoid the BRT lanes unless you’re a sanctioned bus. The fine’s deterrent effect hinges on consistent application, and the Lagos State Police Command seems intent on demonstrating that consistency.
As of now, there are no pending legal actions from either side. Bakare has not issued a follow‑up statement, and the police have not announced any internal review. However, the episode may prompt the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority to revisit its public communication strategy, ensuring that both citizens and law‑enforcement officers have a shared understanding of the process.
Meanwhile, Lagos commuters can expect continued patrols and the same N70,000 penalty for BRT lane breaches—a reminder that the city’s fast lanes are for buses, not private cars.
Bakare posted on Instagram that police officers dragged her out of her car while her teenage daughter remained inside, alleging aggressive misconduct during the traffic stop.
Spokesperson SP Benjamin Hundeyin tweeted that Bakare was lawfully stopped for using a BRT lane, paid the N70,000 fine, was not physically harmed, and chose to create a scene by staying outside her vehicle.
Yes. Lagos State sets a fixed penalty of N70,000 for unauthorized use of BRT lanes, payable directly to government accounts to prevent officer misconduct.
LAMATA manages the BRT system and processes violations. Offending vehicles are usually taken to a LAMATA office for paperwork after the fine is assessed.
The high‑profile nature of the case may push authorities to be more transparent about procedures, but the core enforcement rules—especially the BRT lane ban—remain unchanged.
Comments
Surya Banerjee
Hey folks, just wanted to point out that the BRT lane rule is pretty clear – private cars aren't allowed. The police did their job by issuing the standard N70,000 fine, which is the same for everyone, celeb or not. If you get caught, better to pay up and move on rather than make a scene. Lets keep the traffic flow smooth and avoid unnecessary drama. Stay safe!
October 7, 2025 at 03:45