The Lagos State Government has apprehended three individuals for allegedly dumping refuse at an unauthorised site in Ayobo.
The suspects, identified as 65-year-old Awosunle Akinola, 47-year-old Adepeju Seun, and Solamipe Akanwo, are all residents of Lagos.
Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, confirmed the arrests in a post on his X handle on Tuesday.
“The LAWMA Waste Infractions Surveillance and Investigation Team apprehended three individuals during an overnight operation for illegally disposing of waste at an unauthorised location in the Ayobo area of Lagos,” Wahab stated.
He further noted that the suspects have been handed over to LAWMA’s legal department for prosecution.
“The individuals have been transferred to the LAWMA legal team at the Oshodi Taskforce office to initiate further legal proceedings. All identified black spots have been effectively minimised,” he added.
The arrests were made during an overnight enforcement operation conducted by the Lagos Waste Management Authority Waste Infractions Surveillance and Investigation Team.
The exercise forms part of the state’s intensified drive against indiscriminate refuse disposal.
In recent months, Lagos has stepped up enforcement against night-time waste dumping and the activities of banned cart pushers, a practice outlawed since 2018, under the broader “Cleaner Lagos” initiative.
In August 2024, the state had announced the clearance of several waste black spots as part of its ongoing environmental reforms, with multiple arrests recorded during similar operations.
The crackdown is anchored on the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law 2017, which criminalises refuse dumping at unauthorised sites.
Mr Wahab reaffirmed the government’s dedication to enforcing environmental laws to ensure Lagos remains clean and habitable.
