LAWMA arrests seven as hoodlums disrupt illegal waste dumping crackdown
Seven persons have been arrested for allegedly dumping waste illegally during a night enforcement operation by the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) around the Pattey area of Lagos Island. The arrests came as LAWMA officials monitored identified waste black spots in the area as part of efforts to curb indiscriminate dumping and enforce environmental regulations across the state. The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said yesterday that the operation demonstrated the authority’s determination to sustain enforcement against illegal waste disposal, particularly in areas identified as environmental black spots. The suspects were identified as Nafisat Alabi, 30, from Kwara State; Aminullah Abdulrasheed, 49, Kwara; Segun Adeyemi, 45, Ogun; Gboyega Osuntuyi, 44, Ekiti; Segun Olowe, 26, Osun; Adebayo Ibrahim, 29, Oyo; and Stephen Ogboru, 36, Delta State. The operation was, however, temporarily disrupted when some persons described as area boys reportedly arrived at the LAWMA office and attempted to interfere with the enforcement activities. Gbadegesin said the situation was brought under control after the Area Commander, Lion Building Police Station, deployed officers to provide security and enable the LAWMA team to continue its duties.
He said the seven suspects had been taken to the LAWMA Task Force Office in Oshodi for prosecution in accordance with due process. Gbadegesin warned that the authority would not relent in enforcing waste management regulations, stressing that sustained monitoring and enforcement remained necessary to discourage illegal dumping and promote responsible waste disposal.
He commended the police for their prompt intervention and urged residents, traders and other stakeholders to cooperate with enforcement personnel. According to him, efforts to keep Lagos clean could only succeed when residents, businesses and communities complied with waste disposal regulations and supported lawful enforcement operations. Photo: LAWMA suspects. Caption: Suspects
