The Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, has arrested a resident of Meiran, Lagos, for allegedly dumping waste into a drainage channel during rainfall.
The arrest came after a viral video circulated online showing a woman bringing refuse out of her house and allegedly dumping it into a nearby drainage channel during rainfall.
The arrest was carried out in collaboration with the Kick Against Indiscipline, KAI, and the Mobile Police.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Thursday.
Gbadegesin said the arrest followed a tip-off from members of the public, which enabled the enforcement team to respond quickly to the alleged environmental violation.
He commended those who provided the information, describing their action as a demonstration of responsible citizenship and support for efforts aimed at protecting the environment.
According to the LAWMA boss, the resident, a lady living at No. 13, Lanre Adefiranye Street, Baale Bus Stop, Meiran, was arrested during a joint operation involving the LAWMA Enforcement Team, KAI and the Mobile Police.
He said the resident was allegedly caught dumping waste into a drainage channel while it was raining.
Gbadegesin added that she had been taken to the KAI headquarters for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with the law.
“Members of the public have an important role to play in protecting our environment. When you see indiscriminate dumping or any other environmental violation, speak up and report it. Timely information can help us respond quickly and prevent environmental offences from becoming bigger problems,” he said.
The LAWMA chief urged residents to adopt the principle of “If you see something, say something,” stressing that protecting the environment requires the active involvement of both communities and residents.
He reiterated the Authority’s commitment to addressing indiscriminate waste disposal, especially practices that block drainage channels and increase environmental and flooding risks during rainfall.
LAWMA also urged residents to dispose of their waste through approved channels and warned against dumping refuse in drains.
The Authority stressed that such practices pose risks to public health, the environment and Lagos’ drainage infrastructure.
LAWMA arrests Lagos resident for allegedly dumping waste in drainage channel