53yrs old Lagos woman gets one-month jail for disposing waste illegally
By Trek Africa Newspaper
A 53-year-old woman, Nelly Monday, has been sentenced to one month in prison for illegally dumping waste in a drainage channel in Meiran, Lagos.
Monday, who resides at No. 13, Lanre Adefiranye Street, Baale Bus Stop, Meiran, was arrested for allegedly dumping refuse in the drain during rainfall in the community.
The act, according to the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), is an environmental offence that obstruct drainage channels and increases flooding risks during rainfall.
She was subsequently arraigned on Thursday before the Magistrate Court sitting at Bolade, Oshodi, where she pleaded guilty to the offence.
After accepting her submissions before the court, the Magistrate convicted and sentenced her to one month in prison.
The conviction came as LAWMA intensified its enforcement against indiscriminate waste disposal and other practices capable of worsening flooding and environmental degradation across Lagos.
LAWMA, meanwhile, warned residents against dumping refuse in drainage channels, roadsides and other unauthorised locations, stressing that such acts violate environmental laws and attract sanctions.
LAWMA said it would continue to work with relevant enforcement agencies to identify, arrest and prosecute environmental offenders across the state.
The Authority urged residents to dispose of their waste responsibly by using approved channels and facilities, warning that offenders would face the consequences of violating environmental regulations.
The agency said compliance with proper waste disposal practices remained critical to keeping drainage channels clear and preventing avoidable environmental hazards across Lagos.
