Viral Footage of Young Men in Ibeju-Lekki Confirmed as Legitimate Dangote Refinery Workers, Lagos Police Say

The Lagos State Police Command has dispelled fears and misinformation surrounding a viral video depicting 89 young men who recently arrived and assembled in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.

The police confirmed that these men were lawfully recruited from Katsina State to work at the Dangote Refinery in Lekki.

According to a statement issued on Friday by CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, Police Public Relations Officer, officers were promptly dispatched to the scene following reports on May 14, 2025. “Upon receipt of the information, officers from the Command immediately deployed to the location to ascertain the facts,” Hundeyin said.

Initial investigations revealed that the men had been recruited by a contractor specifically for labor roles at the refinery. Both the contractor and the refinery’s Chief Security Officer verified the legitimacy of the recruitment and confirmed that the men had been authorized to reside and work within the refinery compound.

“The contractor working with the refinery appeared before the police and confirmed that he had personally sourced and brought the labourers from Katsina for legitimate employment purposes,” the police statement emphasized.

The police conducted comprehensive checks, including searches for illegal items and verification of the men’s identities through their National Identification Numbers (NINs). “The individuals were thoroughly searched, and no incriminating items were found in their possession. Furthermore, each person properly identified themselves and presented their National Identification Numbers (NINs), which were duly verified,” said Hundeyin.

Commissioner of Police CP Olohundare Jimoh appealed for public calm and warned against the circulation of false information. “The Command remains committed to maintaining law and order across Lagos State and will continue to respond promptly to all matters relating to public safety,” he said.

The public is urged to avoid spreading alarmist content and to verify facts before sharing.