Kwara: Police inspector, waste collector arrested for violating environmental law
The Kwara State Ministry of Environment and Forestry has apprehended a police inspector and a waste collector for allegedly operating an illegal dumpsite in Ilorin, the state capital.
This illicit activity was discovered last Thursday along General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport Road in Ilorin West Local Government Area.
The ministry’s press secretary, Yakub Aliagan, released a statement on Friday revealing the arrest of Inspector Adamu Usman, a police officer attached to the airport, who was allegedly involved in facilitating the illegal dumping. The waste collector, whose identity was not disclosed, was also apprehended and will face a penalty of N250,000.
READ ALSO:11 arrested in Yobe as police clamp down on EndBadGovernance protesters
State Commissioner for Environment, Nafisat Buge, who led the enforcement team to the site, expressed concern over the illegal dumping, emphasizing the potential dangers posed to the surrounding area, including the airport and the Aviation College. Buge noted that the dumpsite did not meet the criteria for waste disposal and highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to curb such illegal activities.
In addition to revoking the waste collector’s license, Buge revealed that the government has prosecuted 124 offenders for similar violations, with eight individuals already jailed.
The commissioner underscored the importance of proper waste management and applauded the significant improvement in public compliance since the ministry began its enforcement exercise.
