Police officers knocked a pregnant woman off a commercial motorcycle in Ajegunle on Wednesday, February 18, leaving her critically injured and fighting for her life.
Eyewitnesses watched in horror as the officers stopped the okada rider during an enforcement operation.
They seized the motorcycle and forcefully dislodged Zainab Bakare, the passenger, who landed hard on the ground.
The impact caused severe injuries, and the officers drove away without providing aid or calling for medical help.
Bystanders rushed to assist Bakare.
They lifted her from the roadside and transported her to a nearby hospital, where doctors now describe her condition as critical.
Community members report that she remains in intensive care, with fears for both her life and that of her unborn child.
Residents of Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area, where the incident occurred, insist the zone remains exempt from Lagos State’s full ban on commercial motorcycles.
They accuse officers of aggressive tactics against okada operators and passengers despite the exemption.
This pattern of enforcement has fueled long-standing tensions between locals and law enforcement in the densely populated slum.
Public reaction exploded online.
Many Nigerians demanded immediate arrests of the involved officers, while others condemned the apparent lack of empathy from authorities.
The Divisional Police Officer at the scene urged the public to submit a formal complaint for investigation before any disciplinary action.
No official statement has emerged from the Lagos State Police Command yet.
This latest episode highlights deeper issues of police accountability, excessive force during routine stops, and the human cost of traffic enforcement in Nigeria’s urban areas.
Community leaders now call for urgent reforms to protect vulnerable residents, especially pregnant women who rely on affordable transport.
As Bakare battles for survival, calls grow louder for justice and systemic change.
