In a shocking public health revelation, a female trader identified as Mrs. Kehinde Raji has been arrested by operatives of the Lagos State Taskforce for allegedly processing spoiled yam tubers into flour (Elubo Isu) using harmful chemicals and coloring agents.
The arrest, which took place on the morning of Friday, July 25, was made possible following credible intelligence from the market leadership and was confirmed by the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab.
According to Wahab, the state government acted promptly after receiving a report from the Chairman of the Elubo Sellers Association, who had observed suspicious processing activities in the market and decided to alert the authorities.
“This morning, we received credible intelligence from the Chairman of Elubo Sellers Association regarding dangerous food adulteration practices within the market,” Wahab disclosed.
“The report indicated that some unscrupulous traders were mixing harmful coloring agents with spoiled yam flour to produce contaminated Elubo Isu for unsuspecting consumers,” he added.
Acting swiftly on the report, the enforcement unit of the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) launched a raid at the location and apprehended Mrs. Raji on the spot. She was reportedly caught red-handed during the production process.
Initial investigations have raised alarm, as several members of the public have already come forward with complaints of health issues allegedly tied to the consumption of the adulterated yam flour. Authorities fear that more consumers may be at risk due to prior distribution.
Commissioner Wahab commended the market executives for their vigilance and proactive efforts in exposing this dangerous practice that could have far-reaching public health consequences.
“We commend the market leadership for bringing this critical public health issue to our attention. The safety of our citizens is paramount, and we will take strong action against anyone found jeopardizing consumer welfare,” he stated.
The Lagos State government has assured the public that the suspect will face full prosecution under the law in accordance with the state’s stringent regulations on food safety, consumer protection, and environmental health.
Investigations are still ongoing, and more raids are expected as authorities move to clamp down on unsafe food production activities in Lagos markets.
Watch the video below …
This morning, we received credible intelligence from the Chairman of Elubo Sellers Association regarding dangerous food adulteration practices within the market. The report indicated that some unscrupulous traders were mixing harmful coloring agents with spoiled yam flour to… pic.twitter.com/pULi7Z17Yf
— Tokunbo Wahab (@tokunbo_wahab) July 25, 2025