Court Remands 34 for Illegal Street Trading on Lagos–Badagry Expressway

A Magistrate’s Court in Bolade, Oshodi, has ordered the remand of 34 individuals accused of engaging in illegal street trading along the Alaba Rago–Ojo axis of the Lagos–Badagry Expressway.

The group, which includes 32 men and 2 women, was apprehended over the weekend during a coordinated enforcement operation carried out by the Lagos State Environmental Task Force, popularly known as Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), in collaboration with the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA).

The enforcement exercise is part of the state government’s broader initiative aimed at reclaiming public spaces from illegal structures and informal settlements that obstruct urban order and sanitation.

Authorities disclosed that several of the suspects were also residing in unauthorized makeshift shelters built on the expressway median, some of which are suspected to have been used for illicit activities.

The defendants, including Ibrahim Abu, Isiaka Ashafa, Shaibu Isa, Abubakar Haruna, Aminu Haruna, Aminu Abdullahi, Zakariyahu Yahusa, Sunmola Musa, and others, are to remain in custody until July 22, when the case is scheduled for further hearing.

Commenting on the development, Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, reiterated the administration’s resolve to uphold environmental laws and eliminate activities that disrupt public order.

He called on Lagos residents to support the government’s vision for a cleaner, safer, and more organized city, urging continued cooperation with the ongoing urban renewal efforts.