The Lagos State Special Offences Court sitting in Bolade, Oshodi, has convicted eight individuals for indiscriminate waste dumping along Ejigbo Road.
The offenders were arraigned after their arrest on June 28, 2025, based on credible intelligence and community reports of persistent illegal dumping in the area.
Delivering judgement, the court imposed varying sentences. Four convicts were fined N20,000 each, with an option to perform community service, while the remaining four, facing a three-count charge, were fined N75,000 each or given the alternative of custodial sentencing.
Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director/CEO of Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), commended the court’s decision, emphasising the agency’s zero tolerance for environmental violations.
“This is a clear signal that Lagos will no longer tolerate habitual abuse of the environment. The successful prosecution and sentencing of those individuals mark a significant step in our enforcement efforts,” Gbadegesin said. “Let it be known that illegal waste dumping will attract not just arrest, but public trial, fines, community service, or even outright jail term. Our city must be clean, and we will hold offenders accountable for their actions.”
He revealed that out of the 11 individuals initially apprehended, two minors were released after counselling, and one adult was discharged on compassionate grounds with the magistrate’s approval. The eight who stood trial were convicted based on clear evidence of violations of existing sanitation laws.
Gbadegesin affirmed LAWMA’s commitment to intensifying enforcement and public sensitisation, particularly in areas prone to infractions due to rapid urbanisation.
“We are scaling up monitoring and enforcement activities across the metropolis.”
At the same time, we are expanding our advocacy outreach to educate residents, especially newcomers, about their civic duties and environmental obligations,” he stated.
He encouraged residents to report environmental infractions, support PSP operators, and avoid patronising illegal waste handlers, such as cart pushers. Gbadegesin reiterated LAWMA’s dedication to collaborating with communities and stakeholders to achieve a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Lagos.
