Google not excuse in law, Lagos PPRO tells man who drove against traffic

The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, has told a driver to calmly face the law for violating traffic rules while being led by Google Maps.

The driver, Oyiga Michael, had cried out on social media that he was arrested by the police at Ijesha on Saturday night while trying to locate his way home using the Google Map app as a guide.

“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 that 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.

“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.”

On Sunday morning, he posted, “Thank 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.”

PUNCH