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Lagos Shuts Oko-Oba Abattoir Over Violations
The Lagos State Government has announced that the Oko-Oba Abattoir will remain closed indefinitely until its operators demonstrate full compliance with environmental regulations and public health standards.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, made this known on Sunday, stating that the state would not compromise public safety due to the continued defiance of the abattoir operators.
The abattoir was shut down last Thursday following reports of unsanitary practices, poor waste disposal, and unhygienic meat handling. Wahab described the situation during a recent inspection as “heart-wrenching” and a direct threat to the health of residents in surrounding communities.
“We had to make tough, but necessary decisions,” Wahab said. “We had engaged with the operators several times, urging them to adhere to environmental laws, but their continued disregard left us with no option.”
Residents had long complained about environmental degradation caused by the abattoir, including waste from slaughtered animals being discharged into public drains, which damaged infrastructure and properties.
Wahab also condemned the inhumane treatment of animals and misuse of the facility, noting that livestock pens were being used as living spaces for people.
“The stench is unbearable, and many residents have fled the area,” he added.
The Commissioner dismissed claims that the closure was motivated by religious bias, describing such accusations as blackmail. “Lagos is a lawful society. Compliance with regulations is not optional,” he asserted.
Wahab expressed disappointment over the underutilisation of modern slaughtering facilities provided by the state, revealing that only 10 percent of the mechanised systems were being used.
He accused the operators of reverting to outdated and harmful practices, despite exposure to better alternatives during a government-sponsored overseas training.
Following the closure, some operators attempted to resume illegal slaughtering at an abandoned gas station and roadside spots. Wahab confirmed that enforcement teams had been deployed to shut down those makeshift operations and prevent further violations.
He also disclosed that the Ministry of Agriculture had petitioned his office over the deteriorating state of the abattoir, prompting Thursday’s intervention.
While some members of the public expressed concerns about rising meat prices, Wahab stressed that public health must take precedence. “What comes first, the chicken or the egg? This is about safety,” he said.
He added that the government had met with the abattoir’s concessionaire, Harmony, and the operators’ leader, Galadima, to reiterate the need to properly treat animal waste through an effluent plant, rather than discharging it into public drains.
Beyond the abattoir issue, Wahab also addressed broader environmental challenges confronting Lagos State. He warned against building on drainage channels and wetlands, saying that over 1,100 illegal structures had been demolished to restore proper flow and mitigate flooding.
“Climate change is real. Lagos is a coastal state dealing with sea level rise, heavy rainfall, and extreme heat. That’s why initiatives like tree planting by LASPARK, with over 20,000 trees planted this year, are crucial,” he said.
The Commissioner urged residents to be patient, noting that drainage infrastructure takes time to complete. “In the last two years, we have cleared over 666,000 meters of primary drainage channels and 397 secondary collectors. These things take time, but we are on course.”
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Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has sentenced the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Naija News reports that Justice had earlier convicted Kanu on all seven counts levelled against him by the Federal Government.
The judge sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment for count 1, 2, 4,5, and 6.
He also sentenced Kanu to 20 years forcount 3 without option of fine.
The Judge sentenced Kanu to five years in prison on count seven without option of fine.
Justice Omotosho ruled that he should not be kept in Kuje prison. He forfeited Nnamdi Kanu’s radio transmitter and barred him from access to social media.
More are still coming
The Federal Government has urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to impose the death sentence on the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, following his conviction on all seven terrorism counts.
The request was made on Thursday by the FG’s lead counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), shortly after Justice James Omotosho found Kanu guilty of all charges preferred against him.
Awomolo, addressing the court after the verdict, argued that the severity of Kanu’s actions merited the maximum penalty under the law.
The senior lawyer insisted that Kanu committed “many illegalities” and should not be treated with leniency.
Awomolo further reminded the court that four of the seven counts on which Kanu was convicted carry the death sentence under Nigeria’s terrorism laws.
He urged Justice Omotosho to take this into account in determining the appropriate punishment.
“It will not be considered justice that he is isolated and punished lightly in a country where we have Boko Haram, ISWAP, Lakurawa, et cetera,” he argued.
According to the prosecution, Kanu’s actions were as destabilising as those of other violent groups and should be treated with equal seriousness.
Awomolo also urged the judge to ensure that Kanu is kept in a secure correctional facility pending the court’s final pronouncement on sentencing.
He stressed the need to prevent any disruptions or security breaches involving the IPOB leader while the sentencing process is underway.
Kanu was earlier found guilty of inciting violence, ordering attacks on security personnel, calling for killings, and issuing threats capable of terrorising the public, all captured in broadcasts tendered as evidence by the prosecution.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has delivered his ruling in the case between the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, and the Federal Government.
Naija News reports that the judgement was given in Nnamdi Kanu’s absence after the judge had ordered security operatives to kick him out of the court over his unruly behaviour.
Nnamdi Kanu had earlier stated that the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja does not have the jurisdiction to try him.
The separatist, who has been in custody since 2021, faced seven terrorism-related charges bordering on alleged incitement, running an unlawful group, and acts threatening national security.
The IPOB leader contended that the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, under which he is being prosecuted, has been repealed.
He urged the court to strike out the charges, describing them as “disclosing no offence known to law” and therefore invalid.
Kanu also requested that the court nullify the “purported plea of not guilty” entered on his behalf, claiming it was obtained through deception and contrary to a Supreme Court ruling.
He further asked the court to set aside all subsequent proceedings and order his immediate release.
“My contention is very simple: this court lacks jurisdiction to try me,” he said.
Delivering ruling on Thursday, Justice Omotosho ruled that the court has the authority to preside over the Nnamdi Kanu case.
The judge also stated that the matter of extradition has been settled by the Supreme Court, and he ruled against Kanu in this regard.
On the issue of fairness in the hearing for Nnmadi Kanu, Omotosho ruled against the IPOB leader, stating that the court ensured he received a fair hearing.
On the defendant not entering his defence, Justice Omotosho said: “I begged the defendant passionately to enter his defence, but he remained obsolete. That shows that he chose to rest his case on the prosecution. Which is a gamble and a risky action.”
The court found Nnamdi Kanu guilty and convicted him of count 1 in the charges filed against him by the federal government.
The Judge said: “The court will rely on the uncontroverted evidence of the prosecution. This court, therefore, finds that the prosecution has discharged Count 1 beyond reasonable doubt. Consequently, the defendant (Kanu) is hereby convicted in respect of Count 1.”
More judgement is being read and this report will be updated as it comes in…….
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