A resident of No. 25 Ajiboye Street, Alapere, Ketu, Mr. Ogunbadejo Olawale, has been arrested after being captured in a viral video illegally dumping waste on the Alapere link bridge. The joint enforcement operation was carried out by officials of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC/KAI). He has been remanded in Kirikiri Prison by the Environmental and Special Offences Court, Oshodi, with the case adjourned to 26th June 2025.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, condemned the increasing disregard for sanitation laws, warning that the state would not tolerate environmental violations.
“This arrest underscores our commitment to environmental enforcement. It followed credible surveillance and tip-offs from residents, and we will not relent in prosecuting offenders,” Wahab said.
He emphasized the state’s zero-tolerance policy for environmental offenses, noting that surveillance systems are being upgraded across all local government areas. He urged residents to comply with waste management guidelines or face legal consequences.
Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, also condemned the act, stressing that the Authority remains firm in its resolve to eliminate illegal waste disposal.
“Lagos is not a dumping ground. This arrest sends a strong message to those defacing our public spaces. We’ve invested significantly in infrastructure and personnel to ensure cleanliness, and we will continue to prosecute violators,” he said.
Dr. Gbadegesin commended the Alapere community for its vigilance in reporting the offender, highlighting the importance of citizen participation in environmental protection.
“The success of this enforcement is a direct result of community collaboration. When citizens and government work together, change is inevitable,” he added.
He reassured Lagosians that LAWMA would intensify enforcement and advocacy efforts, while continuing community engagement initiatives to drive compliance. He urged residents to use only PSP operators for waste disposal and avoid patronising outlawed cart pushers.
Corps Marshal of LAGESC/KAI, Major Olaniyi Olatunbosun Cole (Rtd), described the suspect’s action as reckless and harmful to the state’s environmental goals.
“We’re ramping up patrols and intelligence gathering to track offenders. Indiscriminate dumping threatens public health and infrastructure. The law will catch up with violators,” he warned.
He called on all residents to act responsibly and utilise approved waste disposal channels to avoid prosecution.
For waste-related issues or complaints, residents are encouraged to contact LAWMA via 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020, 617, or email info@lawma.gov.ng.
