The Lagos State Police Command has clarified the circumstances surrounding a viral video from the Ikorodu axis alleging that operatives of the Lagos State Taskforce were driving against traffic, stating that the footage did not capture the full events that led to the incident.
Addressing journalists on Monday, the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, CP Olohundaare Jimoh, said the incident occurred around 6:30 a.m. on Friday, March 13, 2026, during a routine traffic enforcement operation along the Mile 12 corridor.
According to the police chief, officers of the Safer Highway Patrol and Protection intercepted a driver who made a wrongful turn, an act considered a violation of traffic regulations under the Lagos State Road Traffic Law.
Jimoh explained that the situation escalated when the driver allegedly attempted to evade arrest.
“In an attempt to escape, the driver reversed his vehicle and rammed into an oncoming commercial mini-bus, damaging the vehicle and putting other road users at risk,” he said.
The Safer Highway Patrol team subsequently handed over the suspect and the vehicle to officers of the Lagos State Taskforce for further action.
However, the police commissioner said the suspect resisted arrest during the enforcement process and obstructed traffic along the corridor, causing a temporary gridlock in the area.
“To restore order and clear the obstruction, personnel attached to the Taskforce applied minimal and necessary force to remove him from the roadway and restore normal traffic flow,” Jimoh stated.
He added that the damaged mini-bus was later towed to the Taskforce office in Oshodi, while the suspect’s vehicle was conveyed to Alausa for further investigation.
The police command also alleged that the suspect attempted to incite bystanders against the officers, which briefly resulted in mob action during which stones were thrown at Taskforce personnel.
According to the command, the viral video circulating on social media was recorded by the suspect while his vehicle was being transported to Alausa and did not reflect the full context of the incident.
The suspect, identified as Lateef Adeyemo, was subsequently arraigned before a mobile court sitting in Oshodi on four counts, including conduct likely to cause breach of peace, driving against traffic, obstruction of public officers in the discharge of their duties, and malicious damage.
Police said the court ordered his remand in prison custody after he was unable to meet the bail conditions.
Jimoh noted that Part III, Schedule 1, Item 27 of the Lagos State Road Traffic Law and Regulations 2018 prohibits driving in a prohibited direction or disregarding lawful traffic instructions, an offence punishable upon conviction with up to one year imprisonment and possible forfeiture of the vehicle to the state government.
The command therefore urged motorists across Lagos to obey traffic regulations and cooperate with law enforcement officers.
It also cautioned members of the public against spreading misleading information capable of creating misunderstanding about law enforcement operations.
“The Lagos State Police Command reiterates that no one is above the law. Anyone who violates the law or challenges lawful authority will face the full consequences,” Jimoh said.
He added that the command remains committed to professional policing and maintaining safety on Lagos roads.
