A Lagos resident, Mr. Ogunbadejo Olawale, has been remanded at Kirikiri Correctional Centre after being caught illegally dumping waste on the Alapere link bridge, following his arraignment before the Environmental and Special Offences Court in Oshodi.

Olawale, who resides at No. 25 Ajiboye Street, Alapere, Ketu, was arrested during a joint enforcement operation conducted by the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC/KAI) after he was captured in a viral video disposing of refuse illegally.

The court has adjourned the case until June 26, 2025, for further hearing.

Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, condemned the persistent violation of sanitation laws by some Lagos residents and reaffirmed the government's determination to clamp down on environmental offenders.

"The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to environmental enforcement with the arrest of Mr. Ogunbadejo Olawale. The arrest was effected following credible surveillance and tip-offs from members of the community," Wahab stated.

The Commissioner emphasized that environmental enforcement would be intensified across all local government areas, with upgraded surveillance activities to ensure that defaulters are prosecuted without hesitation.

"We have launched a multi-agency collaboration involving LAWMA, LAGESC/KAI, and other stakeholders to strengthen monitoring and enforcement. Let this serve as a stern warning to others: Residents must comply with the state's waste management guidelines or face legal consequences," he added.

Wahab urged community leaders, residents, and environmental volunteers to remain vigilant and continue working with the state in reporting infractions, assuring that such civic efforts would be matched with swift action from government agencies.

Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, also condemned the offender's action and reiterated the Authority's resolve to eliminate illegal waste disposal practices in Lagos.

"This arrest is a strong message to those who persist in sabotaging the state's environmental agenda. Lagos is not a dumping ground. We have invested heavily in infrastructure and personnel to maintain cleanliness across the metropolis. Anyone caught polluting public spaces will face the full weight of the law. The days of indiscriminate waste disposal are over," Gbadegesin declared.

The case highlights the Lagos State Government's increasing efforts to enforce environmental regulations and maintain cleanliness across the metropolis, with authorities warning that the era of impunity is over as no one is above the law.