Highway Crosser Jailed Six Months For Attempted Arson On KAI Officer In Lagos

OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos

A Lagos Magistrate Court has sentenced a 39-year-old man, Omotosho Nure, to six months’ imprisonment for attempting to set a Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) operative ablaze while resisting arrest in the Cele area of the state.

The Corps Marshal of LAGESC, popularly known as KAI, disclosed the development in a statement issued at the agency’s headquarters in Bolade, Oshodi. He said the incident occurred on Friday during an enforcement operation targeting illegal highway crossing.

According to the Corps Marshal, the suspect allegedly poured fuel on a KAI operative with the intent to ignite it after being apprehended for crossing the highway unlawfully instead of using the designated pedestrian bridge.

“We must reiterate the need for Lagosians to prioritise safety while accessing major highways by making use of pedestrian bridges. During enforcement in the Cele area, a defaulter doused one of our operatives with fuel in an attempt to set him ablaze while resisting arrest,” he said.

The suspect was subsequently arraigned before Senior Magistrate Adefuloye at the Oshodi Mobile Court on charges including breach of peace, obstruction of lawful duty, and unlawful assault, contrary to relevant provisions of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State. He pleaded not guilty but was convicted and sentenced to six months in prison.

The Corps Marshal described the judgment as a deterrent to others who might consider attacking government officials carrying out lawful duties. He added that the ruling aligns with the state government’s efforts to maintain order and environmental standards under its development agenda.

He also urged residents to cooperate with law enforcement officers, warning that resistance to lawful arrest could escalate minor infractions into criminal offences with severe consequences.

The agency further cautioned street traders against displaying goods on road setbacks, medians, and other restricted areas, stressing that such practices violate environmental laws. It reiterated that open urination and defecation remain prohibited in Lagos, with offenders liable to prosecution.