Five individuals have been dragged before a mobile court in Bolade, Oshodi, for allegedly dumping refuse in prohibited areas along Ago Palace Way in Okota, Lagos State. The suspects, Sunday Chidiebere, Favour Odoh, Daniel Okunola, Michael Obi and Amaka Abel, were arrested by operatives of the Lagos Waste Management Authority during an early morning enforcement operation.
Confirming the development on Tuesday, Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, stated through his official X (formerly Twitter) handle that the offenders were promptly charged to court. “Our enforcement team arrested five persons dumping waste illegally at Ago Palace Way this morning. They are currently facing prosecution at the Bolade Mobile Court,” Wahab posted.
This latest prosecution forms part of the state government’s intensified war against environmental violations. In May, no fewer than 74 offenders were similarly arrested in a single day during a special sanitation operation across highbrow areas including Falomo Bridge, Eko Hotel Roundabout, Oniru Beach and Lekki Phase 1 and 2.
The commissioner has maintained a tough stance, vowing that the government will continue to apply the full weight of environmental laws to deter offenders. Lagos, Africa’s most populous city, has been grappling with waste management challenges amid rapid urbanization.
Authorities say the renewed enforcement drive aims to instill proper waste disposal culture among residents while keeping the metropolis clean. The mobile court system allows for swift trial of environmental offenses as part of the state’s zero tolerance policy for sanitation breaches.
With Lagos generating over 13,000 metric tons of waste daily, officials insist strict enforcement remains critical to maintaining environmental standards in Nigeria’s commercial capital. The five accused persons are expected to face penalties ranging from fines to community service if convicted by the special court.