MAN ARRESTED FOR ALLEGEDLY BLOCKING DRAINAGE CHANNEL WITH REFUSE

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By: Fasasi Hammad

The Lagos State Government has intensified enforcement of environmental regulations with the arrest of a 56-year-old man, John Ehidreme, for allegedly disposing of waste in a drainage channel in Ikorodu.

The arrest was disclosed on Tuesday by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, through his official X account, as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to curb indiscriminate waste disposal.

According to the commissioner, Ehidreme was apprehended by officials of the Lagos State Environmental Taskforce at his residence located at No. 18 Oluoga, Ikorodu.

Wahab stressed that illegal waste dumping remains a serious environmental offence, noting that it blocks drainage systems, increases the risk of flooding and poses significant threats to public health and the environment.

“The Lagos State Government reiterates that indiscriminate waste disposal is a violation of environmental laws, as it obstructs drainage channels, contributes to flooding and poses serious public health and environmental dangers,” he said.

The latest arrest comes shortly after another enforcement action in the Pedro area of Shomolu, where a resident identified as Ms. McCarthy of No. 56 Adaranijo Street was arrested following allegations that she directed her child to dump refuse into a covered drainage system.

Wahab condemned the act and called on parents and guardians to instill responsible environmental habits in their children rather than encouraging actions that damage public infrastructure.

He warned that behaviours contributing to blocked drains and environmental degradation would not be tolerated by the state government.

The commissioner further emphasised that maintaining a clean environment and reducing the impact of seasonal flooding require the collective commitment of all residents.

He urged Lagosians to dispose of waste through approved channels and adhere strictly to environmental laws and sanitation guidelines.