Lagos court sentences eight to community service over illegal waste dumping

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 magistrates approval. The remaining eight were found guilty based on evidence that showed clear violations of existing environmental sanitation laws. LAWMAs Managing Director, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, emphasized the agencys 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.The post Lagos court sentences eight to community service over illegal waste dumping appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.