A 52-year-old man, Mr. Morufudeen Idowu, recently back in the country from Canada, has been arrested in Lagos for allegedly assaulting an official of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) during a law enforcement operation.
The incident took place along the busy Ojota axis, where LAGESC officers are routinely deployed to enforce environmental and traffic-related regulations.
According to the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, the suspect became aggressive when stopped from crossing the expressway at an unauthorized location.
Rather than comply, Idowu reportedly turned violent and physically attacked one of the officers. He was immediately apprehended and taken into custody at the LAGESC headquarters in Oshodi.
Sharing the update on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday, Wahab confirmed that the suspect would face charges in accordance with Lagos State laws.
“Mr. Morufudeen Idowu – 52 years old and a Canada returnee – assaulted one of our officers while attempting to cross the Ojota expressway illegally. He is now in custody and will be prosecuted,” Wahab stated.
While full details of the incident are still unfolding, the development highlights the risks faced by enforcement personnel and the increasing push by authorities to discourage reckless pedestrian actions, particularly in high-traffic zones like Ojota, Mile 2, and Oshodi.
Crossing major expressways without using designated pedestrian bridges remains illegal in Lagos and has contributed to numerous avoidable road fatalities. As a result, the state government has stepped up monitoring and enforcement to protect lives.
LAGESC, popularly known as KAI (Kick Against Indiscipline), plays a vital role in ensuring order in the city. The agency tackles a range of infractions, from illegal street trading to unsafe pedestrian practices and improper waste disposal.
Officials say the recent arrest sends a clear message that no individual is above the law, and efforts to instill discipline in public spaces will continue without compromise.