Alakija baby rescue: Man claims paternity, arrested

By Adebola Muili

A dramatic twist has emerged following the rescue of a baby at a junkyard around Alakija Bus Stop, along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, as a man reportedly appeared at the scene claiming to be the child’s father.

The baby was rescued on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, by officials of the Lagos State Joint Task Force on Environment during an enforcement operation in the area.

The operation involved officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), also known as KAI, the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), who were carrying out enforcement activities around the Alakija axis.

According to a video made available by Badagry Today, the man arrived shortly after the rescue and told officials that the baby belonged to him, prompting the officials to question him over his identity and alleged relationship with the child.

The video showed officials interrogating the man as they sought clarification on his claim before he was reportedly arrested.

The development followed an earlier video shared by Badagry Today showing members of the Lagos State Joint Task Force on Environment rescuing the baby from the junkyard around Alakija Bus Stop.

However, the circumstances surrounding how the baby came to be at the location remain unclear, while the identity of the person responsible for the child has yet to be officially established.

As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from LAGESC, the Lagos State Government or the police confirming the identity of the man, the reason for his arrest or whether he is indeed the child’s father.

Further investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the appropriate care and protection for the rescued child.