Wednesday, July 2, 2025 - The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and in collaboration with enforcement partners, has successfully prosecuted eight individuals for indiscriminate dumping of waste along Ejigbo Road.
The offenders were arrested on June 28, 2025, following
actionable intelligence and repeated community reports concerning illegal waste
disposal in the area. They were arraigned before the Special Offences Court in
Bolade, Oshodi, where the court delivered its judgment on Tuesday, July 1.
Four of the culprits were fined ₦20,000 each, with the
alternative of performing community service. The remaining four, who faced more
serious charges under a three-count indictment, were fined ₦75,000 each or
offered the option of custodial sentencing.
Initial arrests included 11 individuals. Two minors were
released after undergoing counselling, and one adult was discharged on
compassionate grounds following the magistrate’s approval. The remaining eight
were found guilty based on evidence that showed clear violations of existing
environmental sanitation laws.
LAWMA’s Managing Director, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, emphasized
the agency’s zero-tolerance stance on environmental violations. He stated that
prosecution and sentencing are vital deterrents to habitual environmental
offenders.
“This is a clear signal that Lagos will no longer tolerate
habitual abuse of the environment,” Gbadegesin said. “Illegal waste dumping
will attract not just arrest, but public trial, fines, community service, or
even jail time. Our city must be clean, and we will hold offenders
accountable.”
Gbadegesin added that enforcement efforts are being scaled
up across the city, especially in rapidly developing residential zones prone to
infractions due to urban expansion. He also reiterated the importance of public
cooperation in identifying violators and supporting licensed waste disposal
services.
He urged residents to shun unregulated waste handlers such
as cart pushers and report infractions promptly. LAWMA, he said, remains
committed to working with communities and stakeholders to build a cleaner,
healthier, and more sustainable Lagos.
0 Comments