Posted by Siseko Tapile
12 Comments
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
Sunil Kumar
Well, look at that – a Hollywood‑style "dragged out of the car" drama in Lagos traffic. In reality, the BRT lane fine is a flat N70,000, and officers are trained to avoid any physical altercation. If you’re cruising in a lane meant for buses, you’re basically saying “I’d like to pay the price for cutting the line”. So the lesson? Respect the lane, respect the fine, and maybe keep the melodrama for the screen. 🎭
October 8, 2025 at 08:55
Ashish Singh
It is incumbent upon every citizen to abide by the statutes promulgated by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, particularly those concerning the exclusive use of BRT corridors. The indiscriminate violation of such regulations not only undermines the rule of law but also jeopardizes public order and the equitable allocation of roadway resources. In this instance, the actress’s purported grievances appear to contravene the very principles of civic responsibility she is expected to uphold. Accordingly, the enforcement actions undertaken by the police are both justified and indispensable. One must eschew the presumption of preferential treatment and submit to the prescribed punitive measures.
October 9, 2025 at 14:05
ravi teja
Dude, it's just a BRT lane – you can't just drive there and expect a free pass. Police did their thing, took the fine, and moved on. No need to make a big fuss unless you want extra attention. Just pay up and respect the lane next time.
October 10, 2025 at 19:15
Harsh Kumar
Hey everyone! 😊 Even if this incident caused a stir, it’s great to see the police clarifying the process – transparency builds trust. The fine is the same for any driver, so fairness is being upheld. Let’s hope this encourages more people to respect BRT lanes and keep Lagos moving smoothly. Keep your chin up, and drive safe! 🚗💨
October 12, 2025 at 00:25
suchi gaur
One must consider the broader sociopolitical implications of celebrity infractions within urban transit frameworks. The dramatization of a routine enforcement action, albeit entertaining, dilutes public discourse. 🤔 nonetheless, the uniform application of the N70,000 penalty signifies a commendable adherence to regulatory equity. 📈
October 13, 2025 at 05:35
Rajan India
Y’all, just a heads‑up: BRT lanes are for buses, not for squeezing through traffic. If you get pulled over, pay the fine, grab the receipt, and move on. No drama needed – Lagos traffic is already wild enough.
October 14, 2025 at 10:45
Parul Saxena
Indeed, the discourse surrounding the recent episode involving Ms. Bakare and the Lagos traffic authorities invites us to reflect upon the intricate tapestry of urban mobility, legal enforcement, and societal expectations that converge upon a single roadway incident. When a public figure experiences a traffic stop in a BRT lane, the ensuing narrative often transcends the mere particulars of a fine and becomes a lens through which citizens examine the fairness of institutional procedures and the perceived privileges accorded to fame. It is essential to acknowledge that the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority has, since its inception in 2015, invested considerable resources in establishing a dedicated corridor whereby high‑capacity buses may navigate the city with minimal hindrance, thereby alleviating the chronic congestion that plagues its thoroughfares. The statutory penalty of N70,000, as delineated in the Traffic Management Ordinance, applies uniformly regardless of the driver’s social standing, embodying the principle of egalitarian jurisprudence. While the actress’s social media portrayal suggested an element of physical coercion, the police spokesperson’s detailed rebuttal underscores that procedural protocols-receipt issuance, payment of the levied fine, and subsequent vehicle release-were meticulously observed. The presence of an adolescent passenger, though emotionally resonant, does not, in isolation, constitute a violation of established conduct guidelines. Moreover, the transparency afforded by the immediate public posting of the police narrative on the platform X serves to democratize information, allowing the populace to form judgments grounded in documented evidence rather than speculation. In evaluating the broader ramifications, one must consider how high‑profile cases can catalyze systemic introspection, prompting authorities to refine communication strategies and reinforce accountability mechanisms. Nonetheless, the core message remains unmistakable: adherence to traffic regulations is paramount, and the burden of compliance rests equally upon every motorist traversing Lagos’s bustling arteries. Consequently, the public would do well to internalize the lesson that deviation from designated lanes invites not only financial repercussions but also reputational scrutiny. As we anticipate future developments, it is hopeful that this incident will reinforce, rather than undermine, confidence in the impartial application of traffic law. Ultimately, the onus lies with both the governing bodies to maintain equitable enforcement and with citizens to respect the infrastructural frameworks designed to enhance urban mobility.
October 15, 2025 at 15:55
uday goud
Let us, for a moment, contemplate-firmly-the essence of rule‑of‑law enforcement; the BRT lane, by design, is sacrosanct, a conduit for mass transit; any intrusion, regardless of celebrity status, triggers the prescribed sanction-N70,000! The police, in this case, adhered to protocol without deviation; the fine was paid, the receipt issued, the vehicle released-nothing more, nothing less. It is, therefore, an incontrovertible illustration of impartial governance; a testament to Lagos’s commitment to order amidst chaos. 🎯
October 16, 2025 at 21:05
Chirantanjyoti Mudoi
While many applaud the police for upholding the BRT lane regulations, one could argue that the media frenzy overshadows more pressing traffic safety concerns. Consistency in ticketing is vital, yet the focus on a single celebrity case may distract from systemic issues like inadequate signage or insufficient enforcement staffing. A broader perspective would benefit the public more than this isolated incident.
October 18, 2025 at 02:15
AMRESH KUMAR
Wow, another celeb gets the same fine as everyone else! 👍 Shows that the law is the law, no special treatment. Keep the roads clear, folks.
October 19, 2025 at 07:25
Vishal Kumar Vaswani
Some folks think this is just routine enforcement, but consider the timing: the fine collection coincides with the recent budget allocation for the police force. Could it be that certain traffic stops are being leveraged to fill coffers? 🤔 Stay vigilant, friends. 😶
October 20, 2025 at 12:35