The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Hundeyin advises the driver to confront the legal repercussions of the incident, which Michael brought to public attention through social media.
Michael's distress over the arrest unfolded at Ijesha as he was utilizing the Google Maps app to navigate his way home. The incident has sparked a conversation about the use of navigation tools and the enforcement of traffic regulations.
“Immediately we got to the turn to Ijesha, they (police) said we were following one way and were threatening to deflate our tyre.
“We have explained and explained and they don’t even want to hear as it was the map that was misleading and they’ve been threatening to beat us as well. We don’t have any money extra as we are coming from a wedding,” he said.
Michael revealed that he has been released; however, his car remains impounded by the police at the Cele Police Station.
According to Michael, the police explicitly communicated, "We should bring 30,000 Naira" for the release of his impounded vehicle.
“We don’t have any money to go home and we also don’t have any money to bribe and can’t leave the car here as well.”
As the driver was seeking help on X, the Lagos PPRO, Hundeyin reacted, saying, “Ignorance is not an excuse under the law. Google Maps is equally not an excuse. Stay calm and let the law take its course.”
Hundeyin maintained that police are not the ones to erect road signs, stressing that, “We are law enforcement officers, not lawmakers. We enforce the law made by the people.”
On the allegation that the policemen demanded N30,000 to free Michael, Hundeyin said, “They must not pay the bribe. It is an offence to give a bribe. It is, however, very okay to pay a fine. And that would be in court, not a police station.”
Michael admitted “It was a mistake from our end and we have perfectly learnt our lesson, sir. It won’t happen again as we understand perfectly how to navigate road junctions and use lanes on maps. I pray they tamper Justice with mercy.”
