Anambra Environment Ministry Clarifies Viral Video, Denies Authorising N50,000 Payment
By Stanley Onunkwor
The Anambra State Ministry of Environment has clarified the circumstances surrounding a viral video showing a confrontation between personnel of the Ministry’s Anti-Vandalism Taskforce, led by Osisi Ka Nkwu, and individuals involved in plastic recycling activities in the state.
The clarification followed an urgent meeting convened on Sept 28, by the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Clem Aguiyi, after the video attracted public attention over an allegation that Taskforce personnel demanded N50,000 before allowing a vehicle conveying plastic materials to proceed. The meeting brought together the Taskforce Chairman, personnel involved, representatives of the Anambra State Waste Recyclers Cooperative (ASWARCOOP), Anambra State Waste Recyclers Association (ASWRA), and other parties involved in the incident.
During the meeting, the Taskforce personnel identified as Obinna said he stopped the vehicle for inspection to ascertain that it was not being used to conceal vandalised metal or other stolen materials. He said the driver resisted the inspection, while Chigozie later arrived and intervened, resulting in a physical confrontation. Obinna denied demanding or collecting N50,000 from anyone.
Chigozie, however, gave a different account, alleging that Obinna demanded N50,000 before the vehicle could proceed. Obinna denied the allegation. Chigozie acknowledged that the disagreement escalated into a physical confrontation and admitted that the matter should have been reported through the appropriate channels instead of becoming physical.
Following the deliberations, the ministry said no evidence was established that N50,000 was collected from the driver or Chigozie by the Taskforce personnel. It also stated that there was no directive from the ministry authorising the collection of such payment. Dr. Aguiyi therefore described the claim in the voice-over accompanying the video, suggesting that the alleged payment was demanded on behalf of the ministry, as false and misleading.
The commissioner also clarified that the Anti-Vandalism Taskforce is a recognised enforcement structure operating under the Ministry’s environmental enforcement framework to tackle vandalism and the destruction of public infrastructure. He explained that recyclable materials could sometimes be used to conceal vandalised or stolen items, making inspection necessary where reasonable suspicion exists.
Dr. Aguiyi directed the Taskforce Chairman to ensure that all personnel operate professionally, responsibly and within the limits of their mandate. He stressed that no unauthorised fees, levies or payments should be demanded from members of the public, while directing the Taskforce to strengthen the training, vetting and reorientation of its personnel.
The meeting also resolved that the Taskforce should deepen engagement with ASWARCOOP, ASWRA and other relevant stakeholders, while members of the public were urged to use established complaint channels rather than resorting to confrontation or circulating unverified allegations on social media. Representatives of the recycling associations also clarified that Chigozie was not registered in their membership records, after which he undertook to regularise his status.
Several parties apologised over the incident, including the person who recorded the video, the Taskforce Chairman, the driver and Chigozie. ASWARCOOP President, Pst. Ben Agape, also apologised on behalf of the association and pledged cooperation. Dr. Aguiyi reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to protecting public infrastructure and enforcing environmental regulations professionally, urging all stakeholders to maintain mutual respect, lawful conduct and constructive engagement.
