Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, has sparked outrage online after a viral video showed him boasting about ordering the seizure of a woman’s land.
The clip, shared widely on X, is linked to the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project and demolitions around the Okun Ajah area of Lagos State.
In the video, Umahi claimed he initially spared part of the land owned by Stella Okengwu, CEO of Winhomes Global Services, but later directed that the remaining portion be taken after she protested and pursued legal action.
“Before, I didn’t want to take the woman’s remaining land but when she started making trouble, I said they should go & acquire the land, Na me do am,” Umahi said.
Okengwu has reportedly insisted her company legally acquired the property and invested about $250 million in the development, including diaspora funds.
Umahi defended the acquisition by citing the Land Use Act, saying land can be taken for public projects with compensation.
The video has triggered heavy criticism online, with many Nigerians calling the minister’s comments insensitive and abusive.
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One X user wrote, “Nigerian politicians are a totally filthy heartless pathetic set of animals.”
Reacting to the clip, activist @SavvyRinu warned that citizens would one day confront politicians directly.
“When Nigerians hit the street, we will go to these politicians houses and drag them out… who do you think you are over 200+ million citizens?” she wrote.
Osi Suave, host of The Morning Rush on Beat 99.9FM Lagos, also condemned the minister’s remarks.
“I hate Nigerian politicians with a passion. How can a human being be this callous,” he posted.
Other users also weighed in, blaming the country’s institutions for allowing such actions.
“This only happens because we have a useless judiciary,” @VillageParrot wrote.
Another user, @Morris_Monye, warned that political power does not last forever, saying, “These men won’t be in power forever. They should remember that.”
Similarly, @tblinz described Umahi’s comments as dangerous.
“This is scary, not funny. When leaders brag about using power to punish people, that’s not governance, that’s bullying with a badge,” the user posted.
The incident has reignited public debate over land rights, compensation, and the treatment of citizens affected by major government projects.