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The Lagos State Government has issued a query to an officer of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) following allegations that he collected a ₦20,000 bribe from a suspected environmental offender.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this in a post on X on Friday, describing the alleged conduct as unacceptable and inconsistent with the ethics and core values of the agency.
According to Wahab, the officer has been formally queried, while a Personnel Management Board will be set up to investigate the incident in line with the Lagos State Civil Service Rules and Regulations.
“My attention has been drawn to a viral video allegedly showing an officer of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps receiving a bribe from a lawbreaker. Such conduct is unacceptable and runs contrary to the rules, ethics, and core values of the Agency,” Wahab said.
“Consequently, we have immediately issued the officer a query, and this will be followed by the constitution of a Personnel Management Board (PMB) to investigate the matter in accordance with the provisions of the Lagos State Civil Service Rules and Regulations.”
The commissioner reaffirmed the state government’s zero-tolerance policy on corruption, stressing that any officer found guilty of misconduct would face appropriate disciplinary action.
“The Lagos State Government maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and any form of misconduct within its public service. Any officer found culpable will be subjected to the appropriate disciplinary measures as stipulated by the relevant regulations,” he said.
Wahab also cautioned residents against offering bribes to public officials, noting that both giving and receiving bribes are offences under the law.
“I also wish to remind Lagosians that offering a bribe is as unlawful as receiving one. We urge everyone to obey the law and refrain from attempting to compromise enforcement officers. Together, we can uphold integrity, strengthen public trust, and build a more accountable and responsible society,” he added.
A copy of the query letter attached to the commissioner’s post alleged that the officer collected ₦20,000 from an offender, an act said to have been captured on video and circulated on social media.
The letter, referenced MOE/LAGESC/431/56 and dated July 10, 2026, stated that the footage was viewed by the Lagos State Governor.
“You were alleged to have collected the sum of Twenty Thousand Naira (₦20,000) from an offender. This act was recorded and posted on social media, where it was viewed by His Excellency, the Governor of Lagos State,” the letter stated.
It described the alleged act as corruption and extortion, which it said amounted to serious misconduct under the Public Service Rules.
The officer was directed to submit a written explanation within 48 hours, stating why disciplinary action should not be taken against him.
“Your representation (if any) must reach the undersigned officer within 48 hours of receipt of this letter. Failure to submit your response within the stipulated time limit will result in disciplinary action being taken against you,” the letter added
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