The Lagos State Government has stated that its committed to zero-tolerance to environmental offenses as a man seen in a viral video dumping refuse on the Alapere Link Bridge has been arrested and remanded in prison.
The offender, identified as Mr. Ogunbadejo Olawale of No. 25 Ajiboye Street, Alapere, Ketu, was apprehended by a joint enforcement team from the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC/KAI). He has since been arraigned before the Environmental and Special Offences Court in Oshodi and remanded in Kirikiri Custodial Centre until June 26, 2025.
The video of Olawale offloading waste on a public bridge sparked outrage across social media, drawing condemnation from environmental activists and concerned residents. His arrest signals a new wave of aggressive enforcement by Lagos authorities aimed at eliminating illegal dumping and restoring sanity to public spaces.
Reacting to the incident, the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, emphasized that the state would not tolerate flagrant violations of its environmental laws. He described the arrest as a reflection of the government’s renewed commitment to environmental discipline, stating that anyone caught defacing the city will be made to face the full wrath of the law.
“This is a clear message: the era of environmental impunity is over. We will not allow a few irresponsible individuals to destroy the efforts we’ve made in creating a cleaner Lagos,” Wahab declared. He added that surveillance operations have been intensified, with multi-agency collaborations now in full force across all local government areas.
Wahab also called on community leaders and residents to remain vigilant, encouraging them to report environmental violations. “What happened in Alapere shows that community vigilance works. We need every Lagosian to be part of this fight for a safer, cleaner environment,” he said.
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Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director and CEO of LAWMA, also condemned the act and commended the citizens whose tip-offs led to the arrest. He reaffirmed the Authority’s resolve to stamp out illegal waste disposal practices, noting that the state had made significant investments in infrastructure and personnel to tackle environmental challenges.
“Lagos is not a dumping ground. The era of reckless waste disposal is over. This arrest proves that offenders will be tracked, arrested, and prosecuted. We will not allow anyone to compromise the cleanliness and health of our communities,” Gbadegesin stated.
He also highlighted the role of citizen participation in maintaining environmental standards, praising the Alapere community for playing a pivotal role in the arrest. He urged Lagosians to adopt proper waste disposal habits, utilize PSP operators, and shun outlawed cart pushers, warning that defaulters would be brought to book.
Corroborating the crackdown, Corps Marshal of LAGESC/KAI, Major Olaniyi Olatunbosun Cole (Rtd), described the suspect’s actions as reckless and detrimental to public health. He reiterated that intensified patrols and intelligence efforts are underway to hunt down those who endanger the environment.
“No one who violates the law will be spared. Environmental crimes are public health threats. If you dump waste illegally, you will be caught and prosecuted,” Cole warned.
