₦1 Billion Bribe Allegation: Lagos Commissioner Wahab Breaks Silence On Demolition Scandal

Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has dismissed as false the allegation that he demanded ₦1 billion or collected ₦700 million to stop the demolition of buildings in Oral Estate, Ikota, describing it as a calculated attempt to blackmail the government.

In a statement released via on Sunday, Wahab clarified that neither he nor any official of his ministry ever solicited or received money from property owners.

He stressed that the ongoing demolition of structures built on drainage setbacks is a safety measure aimed at preventing flooding, not an exercise for negotiation or financial gain.

Wahab said:

“My attention has been drawn to a circulating video containing false and malicious allegations that the Ministry demanded money from property owners to pause the ongoing removal of structures on drainage setbacks at Oral Estate, Ikota.

These claims are entirely baseless and a deliberate attempt to blackmail the government. Neither I nor any official from the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources has ever requested or received any payment—whether ₦1 billion, ₦700 million, or even a kobo—from any property owner.

The operation to clear Rights of Way and setbacks along channels and canals of illegal obstructions is a public safety imperative, and it has not been suspended for any negotiations or payments. Our work continues.

This propaganda is a dangerous distraction from our critical mission to protect Lagosians from flooding. We take these defamatory allegations very seriously and will pursue legal action. Those behind these claims will be required to provide proof before the appropriate authorities.”