LAWMA detains Lagosian for dumping trash in drainage during rain

The Lagos Waste Management Authority has detained a resident of Meiran, Lagos State, for allegedly dumping trash into a drainage channel while it was raining.

The arrest was made by a team that included the LAWMA Enforcement Team, the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, known as KAI, and mobile police officers with the team.

The suspect, who lives at No. 13, Lanre Adefiranye Street, Baale Bus Stop, Meiran, was caught after the enforcement team got a tip-off.

Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, shared the news on his official X account on Wednesday.

Gbadegesin said, “A joint enforcement operation involving the LAWMA Enforcement Team, LAGESC (KAI) and the Mobile Police attached to the team has led to the arrest of a resident of No. 13, Lanre Adefiranye Street, Baale Bus Stop, Meiran, Lagos.

“The arrest followed a tip-off received by the enforcement team alleging that the resident was dumping refuse into a drainage channel during today’s rainfall.

“The suspect was caught at the location and has since been taken to the KAI headquarters for further prosecution. This is the situation as of this hour today, Wednesday, September 9, 2026.

“Residents are once again strongly advised to desist from indiscriminate waste disposal, particularly into drainage channels, as such actions contribute directly to blocked drains and flooding.”

This recent arrest is part of a larger effort by the Lagos State Government and LAWMA to tackle waste disposal issues across the state.

In July, PUNCH Online reported that 16 people were sentenced to four months in prison each by the Oshodi Special Offences and Mobile Court for crimes like indiscriminate waste disposal and dumping trash in unauthorized spots. These offenders were arrested during LAWMA operations in various parts of Lagos.

Earlier in July, the state government also arrested a 56-year-old man, John Ehidreme, for allegedly dumping refuse into a drainage channel at Oluoga Street, Ikorodu. The government has warned that throwing waste around blocks drainage channels and leads to flooding.

The enforcement efforts have also targeted businesses and markets.

In August, LAWMA closed shops along the Tejuosho-Ojuelegba corridor due to alleged waste dumping, with the operation involving the agency’s Waste Investigation, Surveillance and Enforcement team, KAI, OP MESA and the police.

LAWMA has continually warned residents not to dump garbage in drainage channels, especially during the rainy season, stressing that blocked drains can stop stormwater from flowing and lead to flooding.

This recent action is part of the state’s wider efforts to control waste disposal and ensure people follow environmental rules in Lagos.