The Lagos State Government has commenced legal steps against individuals allegedly involved in the assault of wastewater sanitation officers during an inspection at Access Bank’s Victoria Island facility.
The inspection followed a whistleblower report alleging that the bank’s wastewater treatment plant was non-functional, prompting a visit by the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office.
According to the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, security personnel and representatives of the bank’s management resisted officials and physically obstructed them from sealing the facility.
“During the enforcement visit, officials of LSWMO were denied access to seal the facility. Security personnel and management representatives of the bank resisted our officers and, in the process, attacked members of the enforcement team,” Wahab said.
Effluent samples collected during the visit reportedly tested positive for environmental violations. The state government said it would approach the court to secure orders for the arrest and prosecution of those involved.
Wahab noted that the incident reflects a growing pattern of confrontations between enforcement officials and establishments accused of breaching sanitation regulations. He referenced a similar attack on officials at Yakoyo Abula Restaurant during an enforcement operation in December 2025.
“There will be no sacred cows in the enforcement of environmental regulations. Any individual or organisation found violating environmental laws, regardless of status, will be held accountable,” he warned.
