Lagos authorities arrest over 140 for street begging
At least 144 people have been arrested across Lagos State for allegedly engaging in street begging. Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, announced the arrests on his verified X handle. The operations targeted areas including Oshodi, Agege, and CMS, with both adults and children among those apprehended. The Lagos State government has emphasized that street begging is illegal and warned residents against giving alms on major highways.
What happened
- Tokunbo Wahab stated that 144 beggars were arrested across Lagos State as of 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
- Earlier on Wednesday, 45 people, including adults and children, were arrested during enforcement operations in Oshodi, Agege, and CMS.
- In Oshodi and Agege, 22 beggars, comprising adults and teenagers, were apprehended, while 23 people, including 14 adults and nine children, were arrested at CMS.
- Kunle Adeshina, spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, described the arrests as part of ongoing efforts to maintain order and safety in public spaces.
- Lagos authorities rely on provisions of the Criminal Law of Lagos State to enforce restrictions on street begging, classifying those who beg or gather alms in public as disorderly persons.
