By A major food safety crisis has been uncovered in Lagos as officials arrested a trader caught adulterating yam flour with harmful substances.
The arrest, made earlier today, follows a tip-off from the Chairman of the Elubo Sellers Association regarding a disturbing practice involving spoiled yam flour being mixed with hazardous coloring agents to produce toxic ‘Elubo Isu’.
Mrs Raji, the heartless trader greedy of gain
Confirming the development, the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Tokunbo Wahab, said the Ministry received “credible intelligence” this morning and acted immediately.
“This morning, we received credible intelligence from the Chairman of Elubo Sellers Association regarding dangerous food adulteration practices within the market,” Wahab revealed in an official statement.
“The report indicated that some unscrupulous traders were mixing harmful coloring agents with spoiled yam flour to produce contaminated ‘Elubo Isu’ for unsuspecting consumers. This is not just fraudulent—it is criminal and a clear threat to public health.”
The Lagos State environmental enforcement agency, Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), launched a swift raid on the market based on the tip.
The adulterated Elubo Isu
One trader, identified as Mrs. Kehinde Raji, was caught red-handed during the operation.
“Our KAI enforcement team immediately conducted a raid, leading to the arrest of one Mrs. Kehinde Raji who was caught engaging in this criminal activity,” Wahab stated.
“Let this serve as a stern warning: the health and safety of Lagosians is non-negotiable. We will not tolerate any act that compromises the wellbeing of our people.”
Wahab also confirmed that the consequences of this criminal act are already being felt across the state.
“Preliminary reports confirm that several consumers have already suffered health complications from consuming this adulterated product,” he said, expressing deep concern for the affected individuals.
The suspect, Mrs. Raji, will be prosecuted under the full weight of relevant public health and consumer protection laws, according to the Ministry.
The Commissioner, who however, did not mention the name of the market, extended appreciation to the leadership of the market for their proactive role in uncovering the crime.
“We commend the market leadership for bringing this critical public health issue to our attention. Their vigilance has helped us prevent further harm,” Wahab noted.
He concluded with a strong message to other traders who may be engaging in similar illegal practices:
“Let me be clear—this administration will not hesitate to shut down any facility or arrest anyone endangering lives through food adulteration. Our markets must be safe, and our food must be wholesome.”
The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources has now launched broader surveillance across Lagos markets and is urging consumers to report any suspicious food items or vendors.
Residents are advised to exercise caution and buy food from trusted sources as investigations continue.
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