Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
A Special Offences Mobile Court in Oshodi, Lagos State has convicted a 48-year-old man, Makinde Rasaq, for illegally dumping waste in the Lagos Island area. He was charged with multiple environmental offences, including indiscriminate dumping of refuse, obstruction of officers, failure to patronise accredited waste operators and breach of peace. Rasaq pleaded guilty to all seven counts brought before the court.
In its ruling, the court ordered that the cumulative sentences be served as community service at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre, totalling 13 months. Authorities said he was arrested after being found with a Honda SUV loaded with refuse, which he was dumping at an unauthorised site — reportedly near the Tinubu Fountain in central Lagos.
Officials from the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) described the conviction as part of the government’s zero-tolerance enforcement policy against illegal waste disposal. LAWMA’s Managing Director, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, noted the sentence was intended to send a clear deterrent message and reinforce compliance with environmental laws that govern how residents and businesses manage refuse.
The court’s decision aligns with efforts by Lagos authorities to clamp down on environmental offences, which they say contribute to blocked drainage systems, flooding and other public health hazards if left unchecked. Enforcement campaigns have intensified in recent months, including night surveillance and prosecution of offenders seen dumping waste in unauthorised locations.
This case underscores the state’s broader strategy — combining robust prosecution with community-oriented sanctions — to promote a cleaner and safer urban environment. It also reflects ongoing public policy aimed at improving waste management and accountability among residents in Africa’s largest city.
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