THE Lagos Government has arrested and arraigned five individuals for indiscriminate refuse dumping in a canal along the Igando-Iba Road Link Bridge area of the state.
The suspects—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 remanded in Kirikiri Correctional Facility following their arraignment before a Magistrate Court sitting in Oshodi.
According to the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, the men were caught in the act by operatives of the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) Task Force and security agents.
They had reportedly arrived at the canal in a lorry and were offloading waste when the enforcement team swooped in and apprehended them.
Wahab noted that the arrest comes less than 48 hours after the state government issued a stern warning to residents against flouting environmental laws.
The commissioner reiterated that anyone found guilty of illegal waste disposal will face full legal consequences.
“The state will ensure diligent prosecution of all arrested individuals to serve as a deterrent to others harbouring similar intentions,” he said.
He further warned that offenders risk up to three months’ imprisonment or a fine of ₦250,000, or both, if found guilty under the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law.
Emphasising the government’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the Commissioner reminded residents that Lagos has provided Private Sector Participation (PSP) waste operators across all wards to ensure proper waste collection and disposal.
He urged the public to make use of these services to maintain a clean and healthy environment.
