Lagos Man Remanded in Kirikiri Prison for Illegal Waste Disposal: A Warning from LAWMA and LAGESC

 

In a move that underscores the Lagos State Government’s intensifying crackdown on environmental offenders, a resident of Lagos, Mr. Olawale Ogunbadejo, has been remanded in Kirikiri Correctional Centre for illegally dumping waste on a public road. The incident, which has sparked widespread conversations across the state, serves as a harsh reminder of the consequences of environmental negligence in Nigeria’s commercial capital.

Mr. Ogunbadejo, who resides at No. 25, Ajiboye Street, Alapere in the Ketu area of Lagos, was caught on camera disposing refuse on the Alapere Link Bridge on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. This act of illegal waste disposal is in direct violation of the state’s sanitation laws, which prohibit the dumping of refuse in unauthorized areas, especially public roads and bridges.

Arrest and Legal Proceedings

Following his identification in a viral video that captured the act, the Lagos State Government quickly swung into action. In a coordinated public campaign, the government made a public appeal, calling on Lagos residents to assist in locating Mr. Ogunbadejo. The appeal was widely circulated on social media, accompanied by a promise of a reward for anyone who provided useful information that could lead to his arrest.

The public outcry was swift, and thanks to a joint operation carried out by the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), also known as KAI (Kick Against Indiscipline), Mr. Ogunbadejo was swiftly apprehended.

Providing updates on the arrest, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Senior Special Assistant on Print Media, Wale Ajetunmobi, shared a post on X (formerly Twitter), writing:

“Mr Olawale Ogunbadejo, caught disposing of refuse on the road, has just been remanded in Kiri-Kiri Prison by the Magistrate’s Court till June 26.”

This post immediately garnered attention and reactions from citizens, many of whom praised the government’s proactive enforcement of environmental laws.

Awaiting Trial at Kirikiri Correctional Centre

The Magistrate’s Court ordered the remand of Mr. Ogunbadejo in Kirikiri Correctional Centre, one of Nigeria's most well-known prisons, pending trial on June 26, 2025. Until that date, he will remain in custody, awaiting a formal hearing on the charges brought against him for violating Lagos State's environmental regulations.

Why This Case Matters

The remanding of Olawale Ogunbadejo is not just a one-off case. It is part of a broader strategy by the Lagos State Government to enforce environmental discipline and combat the growing problem of illegal waste disposal in Lagos.

Over the years, illegal waste dumping has become a significant issue across Lagos. From clogged drainages to increased flooding risks, the negative impact of poor waste management is all too familiar to residents. Public roads and bridges, like the Alapere Link Bridge, have often become dumping grounds for individuals who either do not understand the environmental risks or choose to ignore the rules.

The involvement of agencies like LAWMA and LAGESC in this case highlights the government’s determination to clean up Lagos and ensure a healthier and safer environment for all.

LAWMA and LAGESC: Guardians of Lagos' Environment

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) is responsible for waste collection, disposal, and recycling in the state. In recent years, LAWMA has increased efforts to monitor illegal dumping, educate the public on responsible waste management, and penalize violators.

Similarly, the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), commonly referred to as KAI, is tasked with enforcing sanitation laws and arresting environmental offenders. KAI officers are frequently deployed across the state to ensure that Lagos remains clean and habitable.

Both agencies worked hand-in-hand to track down and arrest Mr. Ogunbadejo, showcasing a model of inter-agency cooperation that many Lagosians hope will become the norm in tackling other civic issues.

The Legal Framework Behind the Arrest

Illegal waste disposal is a punishable offense under several environmental protection laws in Lagos State. The Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017 clearly outlines penalties for individuals who dump refuse indiscriminately.

According to the law, such offenses can attract hefty fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity and frequency of the offense. The arrest and remand of Mr. Ogunbadejo may be a sign that the state judiciary is ready to hand down harsher sentences to set examples for others.

Reactions from the Public

The news of Mr. Ogunbadejo’s remand generated mixed reactions on social media. While many residents supported the government’s stance, others argued that more effort should be made to educate the public and provide accessible waste disposal systems.

One X user commented:

“This is exactly what we need. Lagos cannot be cleaned if people don’t face consequences for messing it up.”

Another wrote:

“While punishment is necessary, the government also needs to ensure that there are enough bins and that LAWMA collects waste regularly.”

Sanitation and Citizen Responsibility

At the core of this case lies the question of citizen responsibility. Keeping Lagos clean is not the government’s job alone. Every resident has a role to play—whether it's ensuring that their waste is properly bagged and disposed of, or reporting others who violate sanitation laws.

The Lagos State Government has repeatedly called on citizens to report cases of illegal waste dumping and to make use of designated waste collection services provided by LAWMA. Failing to do so not only endangers public health but also contributes to environmental degradation.

Lessons from the Olawale Ogunbadejo Case

1. Enforcement is Real: This case shows that environmental laws in Lagos are not just on paper—they are being enforced.

2. Public Cooperation is Vital: The public played a key role in identifying and locating Mr. Ogunbadejo, proving that community involvement is crucial.

3. The Camera Never Lies: Being caught on camera makes denial impossible. Residents must understand that they are always being watched, especially in public spaces.

4. Environmental Offenses Have Consequences: From public shame to imprisonment, the consequences of environmental violations are getting steeper.

Conclusion

The remanding of Olawale Ogunbadejo in Kirikiri Prison for illegal waste disposal is more than just news—it’s a signal. A signal that the Lagos State Government is serious about sanitation, about the environment, and about punishing those who flout the rules.

If you’re a resident of Lagos, this should serve as a wake-up call. Take waste disposal seriously. Partner with agencies like LAWMA and LAGESC. Let’s keep Lagos clean—not just because the law demands it, but because a cleaner Lagos is a better Lagos for all.

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