A grieving relative alleges Lagos firefighters demanded a massive bribe before tackling a fatal market blaze, a claim the state government has strongly denied while calling for evidence.
In a shocking allegation from the December 24, 2025, Balogun Market fire tragedy, Basil Ndedigwe, an uncle to three victims, has accused the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service of demanding N35 million from market leaders before beginning to fight the inferno. Ndedigwe claims responders waited for two hours as the fire spread, ultimately failing to save his nephews, and stated, “They are the ones that made things to be like this.” He detailed that operations were later hampered by a lack of water.
In response, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s spokesman, Gboyega Akosile, expressed dismay at the allegation, calling it illogical and challenging the market leaders to identify any specific official. “It is not spirit that was demanding the money,” Akosile said, pledging that the governor would take “very strict disciplinary action” against anyone found culpable. He also cited response challenges due to market congestion while offering condolences to the bereaved families.