A Lagos State Magistrate’s Court, sitting in Oshodi, has sentenced three environmental offenders, to two weeks’ imprisonment or payment of 5000 naira fine, following their arrest by the enforcement team of Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA).
The trio, Moses Akpan 72, Niyi Oladapo 28 and Mubarak Musa 22, were arrested yesterday, around Oyingbo area of Lagos, and accordingly sentenced by Magistrate Lateef Layeni, after pleading guilty to the offence.
Moses Akpan, who works as a security guard in a private company in Oyingbo, said he was arrested around 8pm, after dumping refuse at a black spot, around Zenith bank, Apapa road, noting that he regretted his action.
“As an old man, I am ashamed to be paraded for this kind of offence. Until now, I was not aware the place is not a dump site, I see people take their wastes there, that was why I took it there. I will never do that again and will discourage people who are also guilty of the illegal act, he said.
Niyi Oladapo, a tricycle driver in Otto area of Lagos, who was caught while defecating into a canal, pleaded guilty to the offence, noting that he could not bear the stomach upset he had, which made him commit the offence. He however promised to turn a new leaf.
The third offender, Mubarak Musa, a load carrier, claimed ignorance of the offence, noting that he was caught alongside Akpan, after dumping a basket full of waste at the black spot. He added that the waste was generated by some traders around UBA, at Oyingbo market, who asked him to dispose of it.
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Akinleye Hakeem Kayode
Assistant Director, Public Affairs
