By our Reporter
The Lagos State Police Command has clarified the circumstances surrounding a viral video from the Ikorodu axis, stating that the footage circulating online does not present the full context of the incident involving taskforce operatives.
Briefing journalists on Monday, the Commissioner of Police, Olohundaare Jimoh, said the incident occurred around 6:30 a.m. on March 13, when officers were on routine traffic enforcement patrol inbound Mile 12.
According to him, a vehicle was intercepted by operatives of the Safer Highway Patrol and Protection unit after the driver made a wrongful turn in violation of traffic regulations. In an attempt to evade arrest, the driver reportedly reversed and rammed into an oncoming commercial mini-bus, damaging the vehicle and endangering other road users.
The suspect was subsequently handed over to officers of the Lagos State Task Force for further action. Police said the driver resisted arrest and obstructed traffic, causing a temporary gridlock along the corridor.
“To restore normal traffic flow, personnel applied minimal and necessary force to remove him from the roadway,” the Commissioner said.
The damaged mini-bus was towed to the Taskforce office in Oshodi, while the suspect’s vehicle was taken to Alausa for investigation.
Preliminary findings, according to the police, indicated that the suspect instigated bystanders, leading to a brief mob action during which stones were thrown at officers. The viral video, the command said, was recorded by the suspect while his vehicle was being moved and does not capture the full sequence of events.
The suspect, identified as Lateef Adeyemo, was arraigned before a mobile court in Oshodi on four counts, including conduct likely to cause breach of peace, driving against traffic, obstruction of public officers, and malicious damage. He was remanded in custody after failing to meet bail conditions.
Police cited the Lagos State Road Traffic Law (2018), which prohibits driving against traffic and prescribes penalties including imprisonment and possible forfeiture of the vehicle upon conviction.
The command urged motorists to comply with traffic regulations and cooperate with law enforcement officers, warning against the spread of misleading information capable of causing public misunderstanding.
It also reiterated that no individual is above the law and assured that officers would continue to enforce regulations professionally to ensure safety on Lagos roads.
Agencies involved in traffic management and enforcement in the state include the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, the Lagos State Task Force, the Rapid Response Squad, and the Eko Strike Force.
