When Laide Bakare, actress was stopped on the Ikorodu Expressway earlier this week, she never expected the controversy that would follow.
Bakare, travelling with her fourteen‑year‑old daughter, was pulled over by officers of the Lagos State Police Command for an alleged BRT lane violation. The police claim the car was in a lane reserved exclusively for the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, a breach that carries a standard fine of seventy thousand naira (N70,000). Bakare denied the charge, accusing the officers of intimidation and excessive force.
Background on Lagos’ BRT System
The BRT network, launched in 2008, operates dedicated lanes that stretch across major corridors such as the Ikorodu Expressway and the Oshodi‑Apapa corridor. Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) oversees these lanes, ensuring that only high‑capacity buses may occupy them. Violations are penalised heavily to protect the efficiency of the system, which ferries over a million commuters daily.
In 2023, LAMATA reported a 22 % increase in fines issued for unauthorized use of BRT lanes, a trend officials attribute to stricter enforcement and public awareness campaigns.
The Traffic Stop and Bakare’s Claims
According to a video uploaded on March 12, 2025, Bakare can be heard shouting, “When everybody is passing this same way, why? Everybody is on the same road. What are you doing in my car?” The clip shows her daughter in the passenger seat, visibly anxious.
Bakare later told reporters that she never entered a BRT lane and that officers were “purposely looking for big vehicles.” She described the officers’ tactics as “brutal” and claimed they forced her out of the car, handcuffed her briefly, and threatened to seize the vehicle.
She also alleged that the police were searching for an excuse to target high‑profile motorists, suggesting a pattern of selective enforcement.
Police Response: SP Hundeyin’s Statement
SP Hundeyin, spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, issued a detailed rebuttal on March 13, 2025. He maintained that officers stopped Bakare after observing her vehicle occupying the BRT lane for approximately 45 seconds, a violation that “disrupts traffic flow and undermines the entire BRT system.”
Hundeyin added that Bakare “created a scene” by refusing to re‑enter her car when it was being escorted to the LAMATA office for processing. He emphasized that “not a finger was laid on” the actress and that the officers followed standard protocol throughout the encounter.
The spokesperson also shared a copy of the receipt issued by LAMATA, confirming that the N70,000 fine was paid in full and that the vehicle was released without further incident.
Legal Outcome and the Fine
After a brief detention at the LAMATA office, Bakare paid the stipulated fine and received an official receipt. The police released her vehicle, and she left the premises accompanied by her daughter.
Legal experts note that the fine aligns with the current schedule for BRT lane infractions, which ranges from N50,000 to N100,000 depending on the severity and repeat nature of the offense.
While Bakare’s legal team hinted at possible civil action for alleged misconduct, no lawsuit has been filed as of the latest update.
Wider Implications for Road Users
This episode shines a light on the growing friction between private motorists and traffic‑enforcement agencies in Lagos. Many residents feel that BRT lane fines are disproportionately levied against owners of larger vehicles, while others argue the rules are essential for a city battling chronic congestion.
Transport analyst Dr. Chinyere Okafor told local media that “consistent enforcement is the only way to make the BRT system viable, but authorities must also ensure that officers act with professionalism to avoid perceptions of harassment.”
Public sentiment on social media remains split. Some users applauded the police for upholding the law, posting hashtags like #BRTFirst. Others rallied behind Bakare, using #BakareJustice to call for a review of enforcement practices.
What Comes Next?
LAMATA announced plans to launch a mobile app later this year that will alert drivers when they approach a BRT lane, hoping to reduce accidental violations. Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Command said it will conduct refresher training for officers on handling high‑profile traffic stops.
For Bakare, the incident appears to have sparked a broader conversation about celebrity treatment under the law. Whether she decides to pursue further legal recourse remains to be seen, but the episode will likely linger in public discourse for weeks.
Key Facts
- Actress: Laide Bakare
- Fine: N70,000 for alleged BRT lane violation
- Location: Ikorodu Expressway, Lagos State
- Police spokesperson: SP Hundeyin
- Regulating body: LAMATA
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Lagos enforce BRT lane fines so strictly?
The BRT lanes are meant to keep mass‑transit buses moving quickly through congested corridors. Any unauthorized vehicle slows the system, leads to delays for commuters, and undermines the revenue model. Strict fines, ranging from N50,000 to N100,000, act as a deterrent and help preserve the efficiency of the service.
What evidence exists that Bakare actually used the BRT lane?
Police released dash‑cam footage showing Bakare’s car positioned within the marked BRT lane for roughly 45 seconds before the stop. LAMATA’s receipt confirming the fine further substantiates the claim that a violation occurred.
Could Bakare sue the police for alleged brutality?
Legal experts say she could file a civil suit if she can provide medical reports or credible eyewitness accounts of physical abuse. So far, no such documentation has been made public, and the police maintain that no force was used.
How does this incident affect other high‑profile drivers in Lagos?
The case serves as a cautionary tale that fame does not exempt anyone from traffic laws. It may encourage other celebrities to be more vigilant about lane markings, especially on busy expressways where BRT lanes are clearly indicated.
What steps is LAMATA taking to prevent future misunderstandings?
LAMATA plans to launch a smartphone app later this year that will notify drivers in real‑time when they are approaching a BRT lane. Educational campaigns at driver licensing centres are also being expanded to reduce accidental violations.
Harsh Kumar
October 7, 2025 AT 04:20It's good to see Lagos taking the BRT lanes seriously. Consistent enforcement helps keep the buses running on time and reduces citywide congestion. At the same time, authorities should ensure that stops are carried out professionally and without intimidation. đź‘Ť
suchi gaur
October 11, 2025 AT 12:20While the sentiment is commendable, the narrative overlooks the nuanced socioeconomic disparities that make such fines disproportionately burdensome for everyday commuters. 🤔
Rajan India
October 15, 2025 AT 20:20The BRT lane crackdown is getting nowhere near a publicity stunt.
Gurjeet Chhabra
October 20, 2025 AT 04:20I think police just doing their job no need over think
uday goud
October 24, 2025 AT 12:20Enforcing BRT lanes is not merely a bureaucratic whim; it is a cornerstone of urban mobility, a principle that should be defended with vigor! The fines, though steep, serve as a deterrent that preserves the efficiency of mass transit, which countless Lagosians rely upon daily. Moreover, selective compliance erodes public trust, fostering a perception of arbitrariness that can unravel even the best‑crafted policies. Therefore, when a high‑profile individual like Ms. Bakare is stopped, the message resonates across all strata, reinforcing that no one is above the law. Yet, it remains imperative that law‑enforcement officers conduct themselves with decorum, eschewing any semblance of intimidation or excessive force. Transparency in the process-such as publishing dash‑cam footage-bolsters legitimacy and quells dissent. Ultimately, a balanced approach that couples strict adherence with humane treatment will sustain the BRT system's viability for years to come.
Chirantanjyoti Mudoi
October 28, 2025 AT 20:20One could argue that the very act of publicizing such stops serves more as a spectacle than a genuine deterrent. While the intention may be noble, the execution often appears heavy‑handed, especially when a celebrity is involved. This risks alienating the very commuters whose cooperation is essential. A measured response, paired with clear signage, would likely achieve better compliance without feeding the drama.
bhavna bhedi
November 2, 2025 AT 04:20Let's take this as a reminder that traffic rules apply to everyone, and respecting them keeps our roads safer for our families. Consistency is key, and I believe the authorities will continue to refine their approach for fairness. Keep driving responsibly, fellow Lagosians!
jyoti igobymyfirstname
November 6, 2025 AT 12:20OMG wtf is this? They wanna GONE the BRT lane and still blame the actress?? This is sooo messed up, like seriously! My brain is exploding over this drama!!
Vishal Kumar Vaswani
November 10, 2025 AT 20:20🤨 Ever notice how every time a celeb steps out of line, the police swoop in like it’s a covert operation? Some think there’s a hidden agenda to keep the elite in check, or maybe it’s just a staged show for the media. Either way, keep your eyes open! 👀