Two others plead not guilty, trial adjourned to September 2026
Babajide Fadoju
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has secured the conviction of nine individuals arrested at First Gate and Mile 2 axes of the Badagry Expressway for environmental offences, including illegal dumping of refuse, indiscriminate waste disposal, and obstruction of public infrastructure. The defendants were arraigned before a magistrate court sitting at Bolade, Oshodi, on charges of violating the State’s environmental sanitation laws.
Nine of the eleven defendants pleaded guilty to the charges and were convicted and sentenced to two months in prison. Those convicted include Godspower Sunday, Abdullahi Umar, Ibrahim Shuaib, Ndubuisi Akata, John Ifunanya, Prosper Promise, Ikechuckwu Nnana, Akintayo Sunday, and Uche Anaba. Two defendants, Daniel Chisom and Emmanuel Akeme, pleaded not guilty to the charges, and their matter has been adjourned to 8th September 2026 for trial.
The arrests and subsequent prosecution are part of the ongoing joint enforcement operation along the Badagry Expressway, which has been in effect since the Governor’s directive was issued on 27th June 2026. The operation, which involves LAWMA, the Lagos State Environmental Task Force, Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), LASTMA, MOPOL, and military personnel, is aimed at clearing illegal squatters, shanties, and makeshift structures from the median, as well as addressing indiscriminate waste disposal and other environmental infractions along the corridor.
The convictions serve as a strong deterrent to others who may be considering violating environmental laws. The Lagos State Government has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on environmental offences and has warned that anyone found engaging in indiscriminate dumping of refuse or illegal occupation of public infrastructure will face the full weight of the law.
The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing environmental laws and ensuring that all residents and businesses comply with sanitation regulations. Residents are encouraged to support these efforts by patronising approved PSP operators and avoiding indiscriminate waste disposal, as environmental cleanliness remains a shared responsibility that requires the cooperation of all stakeholders.
