Nigerian judge sentences senior attorney, 67, to prison term over eco-crimes in Lagos

A Lagos State Special Offences Court has handed down a seven-month prison sentence to Taiwo Abidemi, a 67-year-old lawyer, for breaching the state's environmental regulations, specifically violating laws related to peace, refuse disposal, and waste management.

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Abidemi's conviction came after he pleaded guilty to a three-count charge, which included breach of peace, indiscriminate dumping of refuse, and failure to engage the services of an approved Private Sector Participant waste operator.

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The offences were committed on Thursday, July 9, 2026, along Guinness Road in the Agege area of Lagos, according to a statement by the Head of the Public Affairs Unit of the Lagos State Special Offences Court, Jide Ajibola.

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The prosecution, led by Adetunji B.E. on behalf of the Attorney-General of Lagos State, presented evidence before the court, which led to Abidemi's guilty plea on all three counts.

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Chief Magistrate Adefioye F.J. delivered the judgment, emphasizing that the law applies equally to all residents, regardless of their status or profession, and that environmental protection is a collective responsibility.

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The magistrate stated that the court will not hesitate to convict anyone who undermines public health and safety in the state, as "the law does not grant exemptions based on status or profession."

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Abidemi was found guilty on all three counts and sentenced to one month's imprisonment on the first count and three months each on the second and third counts, with the sentences set to run concurrently.

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Reacting to the judgment, the Chairman of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, Major Olaniyi Olatunbosun Cole, represented by Corps Marshal Major Tokunbo Adekunle, said the conviction sends a strong message that environmental laws will be enforced without exception.

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Adekunle noted that "the ruling is a strong signal to residents and professionals across the state" and that the Lagos State Government remains committed to enforcing environmental laws without fear or favour.

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He stressed that no individual is above the law when it comes to protecting public health and public infrastructure, and that building a sustainable city requires collective responsibility from both government and residents.

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Adekunle reaffirmed that the Mobile Court would continue its daily sittings across Lagos to ensure the swift prosecution of environmental and related offences, and urged residents to comply with environmental regulations for a cleaner and healthier environment.