Dare Babalola
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) on Wednesday secured the conviction and sentencing of two individuals for illegal waste dumping in the Igando-Ikotun area of Lagos State.
The offenders, Kingsley Adieme and Rachel Onyekachi, were apprehended during an overnight sanitation surveillance operation conducted by LAWMA’s Operation W.I.S.E Enforcement Team.
The exercise was carried out in collaboration with the Environmental Monitoring Unit of the Igando-Ikotun Local Council Development Area.
Following their arrest, the suspects were arraigned before a Magistrate Court sitting in Bolade, Oshodi, where they pleaded guilty to charges of indiscriminate waste disposal.
The court subsequently sentenced both individuals to three months’ imprisonment.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, described the conviction as a strong signal of the Lagos State Government’s zero-tolerance stance on environmental violations.
“This conviction underscores Lagos State’s zero tolerance for environmental violations, as LAWMA will continue to strengthen enforcement while encouraging residents to play their part by using approved PSP operators,” he said.
Gbadegesin emphasised the importance of proper waste disposal practices, urging residents to engage only LAWMA-accredited Private Sector Participant (PSP) operators.
He warned that patronising illegal waste handlers undermines the state’s structured waste management system and contributes to environmental degradation.
He also called on members of the public to actively support the Authority’s enforcement drive by reporting environmental infractions through official channels.
These include LAWMA’s WhatsApp platform and its social media handles, which he said would ensure prompt response to complaints.
The agency reiterated its commitment to sustaining enforcement operations across Lagos State, noting that continuous monitoring and prosecution of offenders remain critical to achieving a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment.
The development forms part of broader measures by LAWMA to curb indiscriminate waste disposal and instill environmental responsibility among residents, particularly in densely populated communities.
