The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, has told a driver to face the law for violating traffic rules while being led by Google Maps on Saturday night.
The driver, Oyiga Michael, had cried out on social media that he was arrested by the police at Ijesha while trying to locate his way home using the Google Map app as a guide.
âImmediately we got to the turn to Ijesha, they (police) said we were following one way and were threatening to deflate our tyre.
âWe have explained and explained and they donât even want to hear as it was the map that was misleading and theyâve been threatening to beat us as well. We donât have any money extra as we are coming from a wedding,â 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 âWe should bring 30,000 Naira.
âWe donât have any money to go home and we also donât have any money to bribe and canât leave the car here as well.â
As the driver was seeking help on X, the Lagos PPRO, Hundeyin reacted, saying, âIgnorance is not an excuse under the law. Google Maps is equally not an excuse. Stay calm and let the law take its course.â
Hundeyin maintained that police are not the ones to erect road signs, stressing that, âWe are law enforcement officers, not lawmakers. We enforce the law made by the people.â
On the allegation that the policemen demanded N30,000 to free Michael, Hundeyin said, âThey 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.â
Michael admitted âIt was a mistake from our end and we have perfectly learnt our lesson, sir. It wonât happen again as we understand perfectly how to navigate road junctions and use lanes on maps. I pray they tamper Justice with mercy.â
On Sunday morning, he posted, âThank you everybody for reaching out. I am fine. I was not detained, and neither was I harmed. Although our car is still at the station. We are asked to come back on Monday. Hopefully, they can forgive us and we can get it back.â
