In response to a driver’s violation of traffic rules while using Google Maps on Saturday night, Benjamin Hundeyin, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, said the offender must face the consequences of his actions.
Oyiga Michael, the driver, took to social media expressing distress after being apprehended by the police in Ijesha while using the Google Maps app to find his way home.
‘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 disclosed that he was released, but his car was impounded by the police at the Cele Police Station, adding that the police said ‘We should bring 30,000 Naira.’
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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.’