A Magistrate Court, sitting in Oshodi area of Lagos State has convicted 19 persons arrested for indiscriminate waste dumping, in contravention of the state environmental law.
The proceedings, presided over by Magistrate Ademola Adesanya on Friday, saw a total of 24 individuals brought before the court. After careful consideration, 19 were ordered to carry out community service, involving thorough cleaning, grass cutting, and sweeping of Oshodi / Isolo Local Government community after being convicted for the offence, while five minors were warned to desist from improper waste disposal or risk being sent to Juvenile Court.
He said, “This decisive action by the Magistrate’s Court is a significant step towards maintaining a clean and healthy environment for all residents. “It sends a clear message that waste management regulations will be rigorously enforced, and offenders will face the full wroth of the law.” He stressed that improper disposal of waste not only jeopardised public health but also had far-reaching environmental consequences. “The exercise is ongoing. We must all take ownership of our environment. Responsible waste management is not just a legal obligation, but a moral one.