As part of its ongoing enforcement against environmental offences, sanitation officers of the Agege Local Government Council have arrested eight residents for urinating in public and committing other related infractions.
The suspects were apprehended during a joint enforcement operation involving Environmental Health Service Officers and the local security outfit, Paramole, after being found in violation of the state’s environmental laws.
This operation came five weeks after the council, under the leadership of Acting Executive Chairman Abdul-Ganiyu Obasa, launched an intensive environmental sanitation and waste disposal sensitization campaign across the area.
Among those apprehended despite weeks of sensitization were Usman Yunusa, Anthony Nnameze, Ahmed Motunrayo, Joseph Ejembi, Jeremiah Ogbede, Deborah Zachius, Silver Sylvester, Musa Isiaku, Muhammed Bello, and one Ajayi.
According to the council’s Public Relations Officer on Thursday, the enforcement followed a comprehensive campaign that included community meetings, jingles on local radio stations, banners, and public notices informing residents about the new sanitation directives and penalties for violations.
The officer added that, despite a grace period granted by Obasa until the end of September for voluntary compliance, the offenders still chose to flout the law.
“The operation was largely successful, with eight offenders complying immediately by paying stipulated fines. However, two defaulters, Musa Isiaku and Muhammed Bello, refused to comply and will be charged to court in line with existing environmental sanitation laws.
“Notably, the enforcement team encountered resistance from one of the apprehended individuals who assaulted officers, destroyed an official’s mobile phone, and inflicted physical injury. This act has been documented as a criminal offense distinct from the sanitation violation and will be prosecuted with the full weight of the law.
Commending the enforcement officers for their diligence and resilience, Obasa reiterated that the council’s primary objective is not punitive but corrective.
He stressed that the ultimate goal is to safeguard public health and restore environmental sanity across Agege.
“The era of environmental lawlessness is over in Agege. We have given enough time for sensitization, and now enforcement has commenced. The message is simple , keep your surroundings clean, dispose of waste properly, and obey sanitation laws. Those who defy the law will face the consequences,” he warned.
The acting chairman assured that the enforcement exercise would be sustained, continuous, and fair.
He further appealed to all stakeholders, community leaders, market associations, religious institutions, and business owners, to join hands with the council in ensuring that Agege remains clean, safe, and conducive for all residents.
