Mr. Ogunbadejo Olawale, a resident of 25 Ajiboye Street, Alapere, Ketu, has been remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre after a video showing him illegally dumping waste on the Alapere link bridge went viral.
His arrest was carried out by a joint task force made up of officials from the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC/KAI). He was subsequently brought before the Environmental and Special Offences Court in Oshodi, which ordered his remand until the next hearing set for June 26, 2025.
The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, voiced concern over the ongoing disregard for environmental laws. He emphasized that the government is stepping up surveillance and enforcement efforts across the state.
“The suspect was caught in the act of dumping waste irresponsibly, which directly undermines our goal of maintaining a clean and healthy environment,” Wahab stated. “This arrest reflects our firm stance on enforcing environmental laws and reclaiming public spaces. He will face legal action under the state’s environmental regulations.”
Wahab also urged communities to partner with government agencies by reporting similar violations, promising timely and effective responses.
LAWMA’s Managing Director and CEO, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, condemned the incident as a deliberate act against the state’s environmental goals. He also commended residents of the Alapere area for their role in exposing the offender.
“This incident sends a strong warning to those sabotaging the state’s sanitation efforts. Lagos is not a dumping ground,” he said, advising residents to use authorized waste disposal services and to avoid unlicensed waste collectors.
LAGESC/KAI Corps Marshal, Major Olaniyi Olatunbosun Cole (Rtd), also criticized the illegal dumping, warning that increased patrols and intelligence gathering would continue to identify and prosecute offenders.
“No one who breaks environmental laws will be spared,” Cole emphasized. “Illegal waste disposal poses serious health risks, damages public infrastructure, and hampers the state’s efforts to maintain a cleaner Lagos.”
