The Lagos State Government has announced plans to take legal action against an Enugu-based social media influencer, identified as @Jamessucre2, over the alleged dissemination of false information regarding recent flooding in the state.
The announcement was made by the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, who accused the influencer of sharing a misleading video purportedly showing flood conditions in Lagos. According to the commissioner, investigations revealed that the footage was actually from Bangladesh and had no connection to the recent flooding experienced in Lagos.
Wahab stated that although the influencer later deleted the post, removing the content does not erase the consequences of spreading false information. He stressed that the state government remains committed to holding individuals accountable for deliberately circulating misleading content capable of causing unnecessary panic and undermining public confidence.
The commissioner emphasized that while the government respects citizens’ constitutional right to freedom of expression, that right does not extend to the deliberate spread of false or misleading information. He noted that such actions can hinder emergency response efforts, create unnecessary confusion, and diminish public trust in genuine reports from residents affected by flooding and drainage challenges.
His remarks come amid widespread flooding across several parts of Lagos following days of heavy rainfall and rising lagoon water levels. The floods which submerged roads, disrupted commercial activities, and raised concerns over drainage infrastructure, waste disposal, and urban planning in Nigeria’s commercial capital.
While acknowledging that Lagos continues to face significant environmental challenges, Wahab maintained that public discourse on the issue must be based on verified facts rather than fabricated or recycled content. He reiterated the state’s commitment to addressing flooding through improved drainage systems, stricter environmental enforcement, and responsible waste management, while warning that the government will continue to take action against individuals found spreading misinformation.
