Uncle of Lagos Fîre Victims Accuses Officials of Demanding ₦35 Million Brîbe Before Responding

A relative of victims from the deadly Balogun Market fire in Lagos has leveled serious allegations against state officials, claiming that a demand for a bribe critically delayed the emergency response.

Basil Ndedigwe, the maternal uncle of three brothers who died in the December 24, 2025 blaze, accused the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service of demanding ₦35 million from market leaders before attempting to control the fire. He stated that firefighters allegedly delayed their response for nearly two hours and later paused operations, citing a lack of water. “If they had started work on time, my nephews might still be alive,” Ndedigwe said, describing the situation as a painful institutional failure.

The fire, which began in a five-storey building before spreading to a nearby 25-storey structure, claimed several lives. In response to the allegations, Gboyega Akosile, the Special Adviser on Media to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, dismissed the bribery claim as implausible. He challenged the notion that officials would demand payment during an active emergency but urged market leaders to identify any official involved, promising disciplinary action.

While denying the specific allegation, Akosile expressed the government’s condolences to the bereaved families and emphasized that the focus remains on supporting those affected by the tragedy.