Seven individuals have been arraigned before the Special Offences (Mobile) Court in Ikeja over the alleged assault of enforcement operatives of the Lagos Waste Management Authority during an environmental sanitation operation. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
The defendants were identified as Olamilekan Abdullahi (21), Akeem Olamilekan (24), Frank Tom (25), Sakiru Jamiu (20), Emmanuel Abiodun (41), Olarewanju Onyowale (35), and Taiwo Yusuf (30).
According to authorities, the suspects were apprehended on March 8, 2026, around the Moshalashi Jimoh axis of Lagos Island during a routine monitoring exercise targeting indiscriminate waste disposal.
The operation was carried out by enforcement officials of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) as part of efforts to enforce environmental sanitation laws across the state.
Following their arrest, the suspects were arraigned on March 10, 2026, before the Special Offences (Mobile) Court in Ikeja in a case titled Attorney General of Lagos State v. Olamilekan Abdullahi & 6 Others.
The prosecution filed a five-count charge against the defendants which includes:
Conduct likely to cause a breach of peace
Illegal dumping of refuse at an unapproved location
Failure to engage an approved Private Sector Participant (PSP) waste operator
Obstruction of enforcement officers in the course of their duties
Assault on public officials
When the charges were read in court, all seven defendants pleaded not guilty.
The court subsequently adjourned the case to April 24, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
Each defendant was granted bail in the sum of ₦200,000, with two responsible sureties required.
According to the court, one of the sureties must be a recognised community leader, while the second must be a gainfully employed relative.
Pending the fulfilment of these bail conditions, the defendants were ordered to be remanded in a correctional facility.
Reacting to the incident, LAWMA warned that any attempt to obstruct or assault its enforcement officers constitutes a serious offence under Lagos State environmental laws.
The agency emphasised that acts capable of undermining environmental sanitation enforcement will continue to be addressed through legal means.
LAWMA also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening waste management enforcement across Lagos State, stressing that the goal remains to promote proper waste disposal and maintain a cleaner and healthier environment for residents.