Lagos State Government to Sue X Users Over Fake Flood Videos, Commissioner Wahab Issues Strong Warning

The Lagos State Government has announced plans to pursue legal action against social media users accused of spreading false information about flooding in the state, escalating its campaign against online misinformation during the rainy season.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, publicly identified two users on X (formerly Twitter), accusing them of circulating misleading flood videos that falsely portrayed severe flooding in Lagos. According to the commissioner, one of the widely shared videos was actually recorded in Bangladesh but was deliberately presented online as footage from Lagos.

The development comes as the state government continues to battle heavy seasonal rainfall while also responding to what officials describe as a growing wave of misinformation capable of causing unnecessary panic among residents.

Wahab Says Fake Flood Video Originated From Bangladesh

In a statement published on his verified X account on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, Wahab addressed a user identified as @iamscrummy_, insisting that the viral flood footage shared by the account did not originate from Lagos.

According to the commissioner, the video was recorded in Bangladesh and was falsely repurposed to create the impression that it depicted flooding within Lagos State.

He urged social media users to verify the authenticity and source of any visual content before sharing it online, warning that the spread of false information undermines genuine reports from residents and complicates emergency response efforts.

Wahab noted that misinformation surrounding natural disasters can create unnecessary fear, distort public perception, and divert attention from communities genuinely affected by flooding.

Deleted Post Will Not Stop Legal Proceedings

The commissioner also issued a stern warning to another X user, @Jamessucre2, popularly referred to in his post as “Enugu Loudmouth.”

Although the user reportedly deleted the controversial post after it attracted public attention, Wahab made it clear that removing the content would not shield the individual from legal consequences.

According to him, once false information has entered the public domain and potentially misled thousands of people, deleting the post does not erase the impact it may have already caused.

He stated that the Lagos State Government intends to pursue the matter through the appropriate legal channels until its conclusion.

The post referenced by the commissioner had already become unavailable by the time many users attempted to access it, suggesting it had been removed before the government’s response.

Lagos Intensifies Fight Against Online Misinformation

The latest warning reflects the Lagos State Government’s increasingly aggressive approach toward combating misinformation, particularly during periods of severe weather.

Officials argue that fabricated images and recycled videos often spread rapidly across social media platforms, making it difficult for residents to distinguish genuine emergency situations from manipulated or unrelated content.

Authorities believe such misinformation can interfere with disaster management efforts by overwhelming emergency communication channels and eroding public trust in verified information issued by government agencies.

The commissioner emphasized that responsible use of social media is essential during emergencies and encouraged residents to rely on verified sources for updates concerning flooding and other environmental incidents.

Nigerians Divided Over Government’s Response

The commissioner’s posts generated widespread debate across social media, with many Nigerians supporting stronger enforcement against individuals accused of spreading fake news.

Several users argued that repeated warnings alone are no longer sufficient and called on the government to prosecute offenders in order to discourage future violations.

Others maintained that misinformation surrounding public safety should attract serious legal consequences because of its potential to create panic and confusion.

However, not everyone agreed with the government’s priorities.

Some users questioned whether authorities should focus more attention on addressing actual flooding challenges instead of pursuing individuals responsible for sharing misleading content online.

They argued that while misinformation deserves attention, protecting communities affected by flooding should remain the government’s primary concern.

Calls Grow for Tougher Enforcement

Supporters of the government’s position insisted that allowing false reports to circulate without consequences encourages further abuse of social media platforms.

Several commenters argued that a successful prosecution could serve as a deterrent to others who intentionally manipulate old or foreign videos to spread false narratives about Lagos.

Others pointed out that misinformation has become increasingly sophisticated, with edited videos and recycled disaster footage frequently resurfacing during periods of heavy rainfall across Nigeria.

They believe stronger legal action could help reduce the spread of fabricated content that often goes viral before fact-checkers or government agencies are able to respond.

Flooding Remains a Major Challenge Across Nigeria

The controversy comes amid heightened concerns over flooding across Nigeria during the 2026 rainy season.

Federal authorities have repeatedly warned that dozens of states face varying levels of flood risk this year, with thousands of communities considered vulnerable to riverine, flash, and coastal flooding.

Lagos, because of its coastal geography, dense population, and rapid urban development, remains one of the states most frequently affected by seasonal flooding.

Government agencies have continued to encourage residents to clear drainage channels, avoid illegal waste disposal, and comply with environmental regulations designed to reduce flood risks.

Previous Claims About Coastal Highway Also Debunked

The latest misinformation dispute follows recent controversies surrounding the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.

Earlier this year, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Minister of Works David Umahi dismissed claims that the newly constructed highway was responsible for widespread flooding in parts of Lagos.

Both officials argued that the flooding was primarily linked to the city’s geographical characteristics, aging drainage infrastructure, and exceptionally heavy rainfall rather than the coastal highway project itself.

Authorities also announced additional drainage improvement projects and flood-control measures aimed at strengthening the city’s resilience against extreme weather events.

Government Signals Zero Tolerance

With legal action now being considered against individuals accused of spreading false flood videos, the Lagos State Government appears determined to establish a tougher stance against digital misinformation.

Officials maintain that freedom of expression does not extend to deliberately publishing fabricated information capable of misleading the public or undermining emergency response efforts.

As investigations continue, the planned lawsuits may become a significant test of how Nigerian authorities balance online free speech with efforts to combat misinformation during periods of public concern.

For residents, the government has reiterated one key message: verify information before sharing it, rely on credible sources, and avoid amplifying unverified claims during emergencies when accurate information can make a critical difference.