By Bilesanmi Abayomi
The Lagos State Government has intensified its crackdown on environmental offenders, with the recent arrest and arraignment of a resident, Mr. Olawale Ogunbadejo, for indiscriminate refuse dumping in the Ketu-Alapere area.
Ogunbadejo, who resides at 25, Ajiboye Street, was apprehended after he was caught dumping waste by the roadside. He was immediately charged to court, where a magistrate ordered that he be remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Facility pending further proceedings slated for June 26, 2025.
The incident has drawn widespread reactions from community members and environmental advocates, many of whom lauded the swift action of the Lagos State authorities.
“This is excellent. I am proud of the promptness of the LASG’s response. Kudos to them,” one community member said.
Others used the opportunity to call for more stringent enforcement measures. A concerned resident urged the government to extend sanctions to individuals who patronise informal waste collectors, popularly known as cart pushers.
“The sanctions should be extended to those patronizing cart pushers. Once any barrow gets caught, all his customers for that operation must be visited. Many inconsiderate people are putting our collective health at risk,” the resident said.
The Lagos State Government has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on illegal waste disposal and has vowed to continue enforcing environmental sanitation laws to safeguard public health and maintain a cleaner city.
Officials say the latest arrest is part of broader efforts to discourage improper waste management and ensure compliance with environmental regulations across the state.