Nollywood Actress Laide Bakare Fined for Traffic Violation
Nollywood Actress Laide Bakare Fined for Traffic Violation
On June 23, 2024, the Lagos State Police Command revealed that Nollywood actress Laide Bakare was penalized for violating traffic laws. The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, announced this on his verified X handle, @benHundeyin. According to Hundeyin, Bakare was stopped for driving on the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Lane, an infraction that warranted a fine.
Actress Laide Bakare’s Allegations
In response to the incident, Laide Bakare took to her Instagram page to express her outrage. She recounted that the police entered her vehicle and drove away with her 14-year-old daughter to an undisclosed location. The event, which occurred on Saturday along Ikorodu Expressway, left her daughter terrified. Bakare described the police actions as exploitative, accusing them of targeting individuals with luxury cars to extort money.
“For the first time, I experienced the brutal way Nigerians are being treated along that axis,” Bakare said. “I can’t imagine how someone with a brain and sanity will enter someone’s car and drive it away with a minor in it.”
She further claimed that the police demanded their ATM card to withdraw N70,000, which she perceived as a form of robbery.
Police Response to the Incident
Responding to Bakare’s allegations, SP Hundeyin clarified that the actress’s vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. He stated that Bakare chose to create a scene and refused to remain in her vehicle when it was being taken to the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) office. Hundeyin emphasized that the officers did not physically harm Bakare or her daughter.
“You rightly paid the correct fine for your offence – N70,000 – into government coffers. You left with the receipt and your vehicle. Not a finger was laid on you,” Hundeyin affirmed.
The incident has sparked discussions on social media, with many users weighing in on the conduct of both the police and the actress. While some support Bakare’s account, others believe she should have complied with the traffic regulations. The Lagos State Command has reiterated its commitment to enforcing traffic laws while ensuring the safety and rights of all citizens.
