Lagos Police Explain Viral Ikorodu Incident, Say Driver Who Filmed Video Violated Traffic Law

Lagos Police Explain Viral Ikorodu Incident, Say Driver Who Filmed Video Violated Traffic Law

The Lagos State Police Command has clarified the circumstances surrounding a viral video from the Ikorodu axis of Lagos, stating that the footage circulating online does not capture the full context of an enforcement operation involving taskforce officers and a traffic offender.

The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Olohundaare Jimoh, disclosed this on Monday during a press briefing on the incident involving operatives of the state taskforce.

According to the police chief, the incident occurred around 6:30 a.m. on Friday, March 13, 2026, when officers on routine patrol along the Mile 12 corridor intercepted a motorist for making a wrongful turn in violation of traffic regulations.

He explained that the driver allegedly attempted to evade arrest by reversing his vehicle and ramming into an oncoming commercial mini-bus, causing damage to the bus and endangering other road users.

Officers of the Safer Highway Patrol and Protection unit subsequently handed over the driver and his vehicle to operatives of the taskforce for further action.

The police said the situation escalated when the suspect allegedly resisted arrest and obstructed traffic, resulting in a temporary gridlock along the busy corridor.

“Personnel attached to the taskforce applied minimal and necessary force to remove the suspect from the roadway and restore normal traffic flow,” the Commissioner said.

The damaged mini-bus was later towed to the taskforce office in Oshodi, while the offender’s vehicle was taken to Alausa for investigation and custody.

Police further revealed that preliminary findings showed the suspect allegedly incited bystanders during the incident, leading to a brief mob action in which stones were thrown at the taskforce officers.

According to the Command, the viral video currently circulating on social media was recorded by the suspect while his vehicle was being transported to Alausa and therefore did not capture the full sequence of events.

The suspect, identified as Lateef Adeyemo, was subsequently arraigned before a mobile court in Oshodi on four counts, including conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, driving against traffic in violation of Lagos traffic laws, obstruction of public officers in the discharge of their duties, and malicious damage.

Police said the defendant was remanded in prison custody after failing to meet the court’s bail conditions.

The command also cited provisions of the Lagos State Road Traffic Law and Regulations 2018, which prohibit driving against lawful traffic directions. The offence attracts up to one year imprisonment and possible forfeiture of the vehicle to the state government upon conviction.

While urging motorists to comply with traffic regulations, the police cautioned members of the public against spreading misleading information capable of creating misunderstanding.

The command reiterated that law enforcement agencies would continue to enforce traffic laws across the state and warned that anyone who violates the law or obstructs officers in the course of their duties would face the full weight of the law.

Officials also highlighted the roles of key agencies involved in traffic and security enforcement across Lagos, including the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, which regulates activities on Bus Rapid Transit corridors, the Rapid Response Squad responsible for emergency response and visibility patrols, and the Eko Strike Force tasked with crisis intervention and tactical response operations.

The police command reaffirmed its commitment to professional law enforcement and ensuring safety on Lagos roads.