In a move that has sparked public debate, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, ordered the arrest of a soldier and three motorcyclists on Tuesday for violating traffic rules by using the one-way lane along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.
The incident, captured in a viral video, shows the governor impounding motorcycles and personally confronting the offenders for their alleged disregard of state traffic regulations. According to Wale Ajetunmobi, the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor, the lawless motorcyclists abandoned their bikes and passengers upon spotting the governor’s convoy.
The statement released by Ajetunmobi revealed, “One of the offenders – a Lance Corporal in the Army – was arrested with his bike.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu, captured in the video, can be seen directing security officers to apprehend a motorcyclist who claimed to be a soldier. Using strong language, the governor said, “Put him there; let your father come and rescue you. You’re telling me you are a soldier; that is the reason I’m going to lock you up, useless boy.”
This Morning: Lawless Okada riders plying one-way along Lagos-Badagry Expressway left their motorcycles and passengers upon sighting the convoy of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. One of the offenders – a lance corporal in the Army – was arrested with his bike.@jidesanwoolu pic.twitter.com/TTCYqYjuZs
— AJE (@Riddwane) January 2, 2024
He also addressed the passengers on the soldier’s motorcycle, expressing his displeasure at their involvement in the traffic violation. “You people are the ones causing this. Maybe I should arrest two of you and put you in the guardroom. You’re on Okada and they are taking one-way. Is it good? When you fall and you die, they’ll say the government killed you. What a shame.”
However, the governor’s use of insulting language during the encounter has drawn criticism from observers. Some argue that the punishment for driving one-way should involve impounding the vehicle and imposing fines, as stipulated by the Transport Sector Law of Lagos State, 2018.
The relevant section of the law states, “Riding a motorcycle against traffic – Fine: 1st Offender (N20,000.00), subsequent offender (N30,000.00). Additional punishment: Impound motorcycle.”
Public sentiment on social media and among public commentators has been divided. While some support the governor’s strong stance against traffic violators, others express disappointment, highlighting concerns about the use of derogatory language and the need for respectful treatment during law enforcement encounters.
A public commentator Kunle Olofin slammed Sanwo-Olu’s conduct stating, “What he did as Governor here is against natural justice. The accuser ought not to be the judge. An arrester does not have the power to blame or abuse. In other climes the arresting officer would still be respectful of your human dignity, not say “It’s a shame”
The incident has ignited discussions about the appropriate methods for addressing traffic infractions and the role of public officials in such situations.