Rilwan Akiolu, the Oba of Lagos has claimed that hoodlums carted away $2 million and N17 million (N787 million) when they invaded his palace during the #EndSARS protest in October 2020.

“Many buildings were burnt, including vehicles used to generate income. I can now say publicly that they stole away from my palace $2 million and N17 million,” he said.

Mr. Akiolu’s comment, however, could make him a subject of interest to the nation’s anti-graft agency.

The Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act of 2011 makes it illegal for any individual to keep or make any cash payment in excess of N5 million. Transactions above N5 million are to be carried out via financial institutions.

Hoodlums had whisked away the Oba’s staff of authority when they breached his palace in the heat of the #EndSARS protest.

The rioters turned their angst against the government and influential figures as government and private properties were destroyed across Lagos state after men of the Nigerian Army opened fire on protesters at the Lekki toll plaza on October 20, 2020.

Speaking at the commissioning of the Glover Hall Memorial in Lagos on Wednesday, the monarch lamented over the huge loss suffered by the state.

Mr. Akiolu said the hoodlums were ignorant of the implication of what they did.

“I will support anything that will move Lagos forward. I have appealed to the federal government to assist Lagos with what we have suffered. We host many people here, not Lagosians alone. The incident that happened here from October 20 to 23rd is so saddening,” Oba Akiolu said.

He added “the destruction we suffered in Lagos is so enormous than in any other part of the country.

“Those who committed the offence would not have done that if they know the implication. But as a father, I won’t place any curse on them.”

The monarch who left his palace after escaping the hoodlum’s attack in October returned two months later.