Lagos gov't seals Yakoyo restaurant after attack on environmental officials

By Sodiq Adelakun

The Lagos State Government has sealed Yakoyo Restaurant in Victoria Island following reports that its management unleashed hoodlums on government officials during an environmental inspection on Wednesday.

The action was announced in a statement by Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner for the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, via X.

The statement revealed that the attack occurred during a joint enforcement operation by the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO) and the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC/KAI).

Officials were inspecting the restaurant for indiscriminate discharge of untreated wastewater, fats, and oils when hoodlums from the facility reportedly attacked and injured four officers.

“The Yakoyo restaurant not only broke the government’s seal, they went further to unleash armed thugs on officials who were lawfully carrying out their duties. This crosses every line,” the statement said.

The Commissioner warned that the government would take decisive action against any individual or business that assaults, obstructs, or threatens officials on duty.

“We will not allow lawlessness to take root in Lagos. No one is above the law, and any attempt to intimidate government officials will be met with firm and immediate consequences,” Wahab said.

Following the attack, the restaurant’s Supervisor was arrested, and the facility remains closed until further notice. Authorities have also vowed to arrest additional perpetrators involved in the assault.