The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has apprehended two women for illegal waste dumping in the Sangotedo area along the Lekki Expressway, as part of the state’s intensified crackdown on environmental offences.
EpeInsights learnt that the suspects, identified as Margaret Solomon (29) and Onyia Elizabeth (42), were arrested during a night surveillance operation conducted by LAWMA’s enforcement team.
According to the agency, both individuals failed to provide valid residential addresses and have been handed over to the legal department for prosecution under the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law (EMPL 2017).
LAWMA’s Managing Director, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegeshin, confirmed the arrests via his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, July 17, stating that photographic and video evidence had been collected to aid legal proceedings.
“Every Lagos resident has a duty to uphold proper environmental hygiene. Failure to comply attracts penalties, including fines of up to ₦250,000 or a jail term of up to three months,” he warned.
Gbadegeshin further urged residents to use only certified waste operators and LAWMA-approved waste bins, adding that the agency will continue to monitor and enforce compliance across the state.
Illegal dumping remains a persistent problem in Lagos, especially in expanding areas like Sangotedo, where urbanisation has outpaced infrastructure development. LAWMA reiterated its commitment to deploying surveillance units and prosecuting offenders to safeguard public health and improve waste management standards.
The arrested individuals are expected to appear before a magistrate in the coming days.
