Five residents of Lagos were on Thursday remanded in Kirikiri Correctional Centre for allegedly engaging in illegal waste disposal along the Iba-Igando Link Bridge.
The offenders — Mr. Moses Adelowokan, Mr. Oparinde Taiwo, Mr. Kassim Jamiu, and Mr. Ayo Jamiu — were arraigned before a Magistrate Court sitting in Bolade, Oshodi on charges of violating Lagos State Environmental Laws.
According to the state Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, the suspects were apprehended by officers of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), popularly known as KAI.
They were apprehended during a routine monitoring and enforcement operation after being caught in the act of dumping refuse into a canal.
The incident occurred along the Lagos-Badagry Road corridor.
The court ordered the immediate remand of the accused in Kirikiri Prison pending trial, which has been scheduled for July 9.
“The 5 defendants caught dropping refuse at the Canal along Igando Iba Link Bridge earlier today; Mr Moses Adelowokan, Mr Oparinde Taiwo, Kassim Jamiu, Ayo Jamiu, were arraigned before the Magistrate Court sitting at Bolade, remanded in Kirikiri prison till 9 July for trial,” Wahab said in a post on X.
He condemned the actions of the individuals, describing them as a threat to public safety and environmental sustainability.
“Dumping waste into our waterways/canals is not only reckless, it endangers lives, causes flooding, and destroys our environment.
“Lagosians, please take ownership of your surroundings. Help us keep our city clean and report such acts immediately,” the commissioner stated.
The two vehicles used in the illegal activity have been impounded and are expected to be used as evidence in the ongoing prosecution.
THE WHISTLER reports that a resident, Mr Olawale Ogunbadejo, was in May also remanded in Kirikiri Correctional Centre by a Magistrate’s Court for illegal waste disposal on a public road.
The court ordered his remand pending a trial scheduled for June 26.
