Lady assaults LAGESC officer, bags 7months jail term
By Innocent Raphael
Fasia Ajoke, a 22-year-old woman has been sentenced to seven months and three weeks in prison by a Special Offences Court for assaulting an officer of the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), commonly known as KAI, at Ile-Epo bus stop along the Lagos-Abeokuta expressway.
Ajoke allegedly assaulted the KAI officer who directed her to use the pedestrian bridge instead of crossing the road, as required by law in Lagos to ensure safety. When approached by the officer to enforce this rule, Ajoke resisted arrest and later assaulted the female officer.
Ajoke was subsequently arrested and brought before Chief Magistrate S.A Adefioye of the Lagos State Special Offences (Mobile Court) in Bolade-Oshodi, where she was sentenced for her actions, which included offenses related to potential breach of peace, obstruction, and breaching peace while crossing the road.
Major Olaniyi Cole (retired), Corps Marshal of the Agency, commented on the court’s decision, stating that Ajoke was sentenced after admitting to the assault.
He stated, ‘‘It is rather unfortunate that despite how much efforts our operatives have exhausted on making pedestrian bridges free of hindrances, some people are bent on breaking the law and assaulting officers on lawful duty which would not be tolerated in its entirety’’.
The head of KAI disclosed the identity of the suspect, Fasia Ajoke, 22, who appeared before Chief Magistrate S.A Adefioye of the Lagos State Special Offences (Mobile Court) in Bolade-Oshodi on Wednesday. She faced charges related to behavior likely to cause a breach of peace, obstruction, and breaching peace by crossing. Ajoke was sentenced to seven months and three weeks in jail or a fine of 80,000 Naira.
Cole reiterated the State’s commitment to prosecute individuals who violate environmental laws and emphasized that the law would be strictly enforced against anyone who assaults agency operatives while on duty.
In addressing street traders and hawkers, the Corps Marshal warned of intensified enforcement against those who persistently return to cleared areas.
Furthermore, Cole urged Lagos residents, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, to dispose of refuse appropriately by utilizing approved waste management operators, emphasizing that cleanliness is a virtue cherished by God.