In a renewed push to enforce environmental regulations and ensure public safety, the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, also known as KAI, has arrested and prosecuted a man identified as Omotosho Nure for attempting to set a government operative ablaze in the Cele area of Lagos.
The Corps Marshal disclosed this development in a statement issued to journalists at the agency’s Command Headquarters in Bolade-Oshodi.
According to him, ‘‘we must reiterate the need for Lagosians to embrace safety while accessing major highways in the State and the use of strategically-erected pedestrian bridges must be adhered to. Today, while enforcing the use of these bridges in the Cele area of the State, one defaulter doused our operative in fuel with intent to set ablaze, in a single case of aggravated arson while resisting arrest’’.
The suspect, identified as Omotosho Nure, a 39-year-old male, was subsequently arraigned before Senior Magistrate Adefuloye at the Oshodi Mobile Court.
He faced charges including breach of peace, obstruction of lawful duty, and unlawful assault, offences that contravene Sections 168 (1), 168 (1) (d), 117 (1), and 172 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State. Despite pleading not guilty, he was sentenced to six months imprisonment.
Reacting to the court’s decision, the Corps Marshal, a retired Major, described the ruling as a strong deterrent against similar attacks on government officials carrying out lawful duties.
He noted that such enforcement aligns with the THEMES+ agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, which is focused on making Lagos more conducive for business and habitation.
He further emphasized the importance of public cooperation with law enforcement officers, warning that resistance often escalates minor infractions into serious criminal offences that could result in imprisonment.
In his concluding remarks, the Corps Marshal cautioned street traders against displaying goods on road setbacks, lay-bys, medians, kerbs, and verges.
He also reiterated that open urination and defecation remain prohibited in Lagos State, stressing that violators would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
