In a decisive move underscoring its zero tolerance for environmental infractions, the Lagos State Government has arraigned and remanded five men in Kirikiri Correctional Facility for indiscriminately dumping refuse into a canal along the Igando-Iba Road Link Bridge.
The accused—Quassim Jamiu, 44, and Ayo Jamiu, 18, both from Kwara State; Alexander Innocent, 40, from Akwa Ibom; Oparinde Taiwo, 55, from Ogun State; and Moses Adelowokan, 76, from Osun State—were apprehended by operatives of the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) task force and security personnel while attempting to discharge waste from a lorry into the canal.
They were arraigned before a Magistrate Court sitting in Oshodi on Thursday and remanded pending further hearing, with the case adjourned until July 9.
The arrests come just 48 hours after the Lagos State Government issued a stern warning against violations of its environmental laws, emphasizing that offenders will face the full weight of the law.
Speaking on the matter, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to prosecuting environmental offenders to the fullest extent, aiming to make examples that will deter others.
He reminded residents that illegal waste disposal carries penalties of up to three months’ imprisonment and a fine of ₦250,000, urging the public to make use of the Private Sector Participation (PSP) waste operators available across all wards in the state for proper waste evacuation.
“This administration will not relent in protecting our environment. Residents are advised to dispose of their refuse responsibly or be ready to face the consequences,” Wahab warned.