The Lagos State Government has commenced disciplinary proceedings against an officer of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) following the circulation of a viral video allegedly showing him collecting a ₦20,000 bribe from a suspected environmental offender.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced the action on Friday on his verified X handle, saying the officer’s alleged conduct violated the ethical standards and core values expected of public servants.
According to the commissioner, the officer has been issued a formal query, while a Personnel Management Board (PMB) will be constituted to investigate the allegations 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 reiterated that the state government maintains a zero-tolerance policy on corruption, warning that any officer found culpable would face appropriate sanctions.
“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 attempting to induce enforcement officers with illegal payments, stressing that both offering and receiving bribes constitute criminal offences.
“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 issued to the officer accused of collecting ₦20,000 from an alleged offender, an act said to have been captured on video and widely circulated on social media was attached to the post.
The letter, referenced MOE/LAGESC/431/56 and dated July 10, 2026, stated that the footage was viewed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and described the alleged conduct as corruption and extortion amounting to serious misconduct under the Public Service Rules.
“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 read.
The officer was directed to submit a written explanation within 48 hours showing 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.
The viral footage, first circulated by LagosReporters on social media, was recorded on Thursday, July 9, 2026, during an enforcement operation by officers of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps.
However, the exact location of the incident has not been officially disclosed by either the Lagos State Government or LAGESC as of the time of reporting.
The latest case is one of the few publicly acknowledged corruption allegations involving LAGESC personnel. While the agency has periodically dismissed or sanctioned officers for misconduct, there is no documented pattern of major bribery scandals involving LAGESC officers in recent years comparable to similar cases involving other law enforcement agencies in Lagos.
The Lagos State Government has consistently maintained a policy of investigating officers implicated in viral misconduct allegations and has repeatedly emphasised its zero-tolerance stance on corruption within the public service.
