The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has arrested a resident of Meiran, Lagos State, for allegedly dumping refuse into a drainage channel during rainfall, as the state intensifies its crackdown on indiscriminate waste disposal.
The suspect, identified as a resident of No. 13, Lanre Adefiranye Street, Baale Bus Stop, Meiran, was apprehended by a joint enforcement team comprising the LAWMA Enforcement Team, Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (KAI) and mobile police officers attached to the operation.
The arrest followed a tip-off received by the enforcement team. According to LAWMA Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, who disclosed the development on his official X account on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, the suspect was caught at the location and taken to the KAI headquarters for further prosecution.
Gbadegesin warned residents against indiscriminate waste disposal, particularly the dumping of refuse in drainage channels, stressing that such practices contribute to blocked drains and increase the risk of flooding.
The latest arrest is part of the Lagos State Government and LAWMA’s intensified enforcement campaign against environmental violations across the state.
In July, 16 people were sentenced to four months’ imprisonment each by the Oshodi Special Offences and Mobile Court for offences including indiscriminate waste disposal and dumping refuse at unauthorised locations. They were arrested during LAWMA enforcement operations across parts of Lagos.
Earlier that month, the state government arrested 56-year-old John Ehidreme for allegedly dumping refuse into a drainage channel on Oluoga Street, Ikorodu, warning that indiscriminate waste disposal obstructs drainage channels and contributes to flooding.
The enforcement campaign has also targeted businesses and markets. In August, LAWMA sealed shops along the Tejuosho-Ojuelegba corridor over alleged indiscriminate waste disposal. The operation involved LAWMA’s Waste Investigation, Surveillance and Enforcement team, KAI, OP MESA and the police.
LAWMA has repeatedly urged Lagos residents to stop disposing of waste in drainage channels, especially during the rainy season, noting that blocked drainage systems restrict stormwater flow and heighten the risk of flooding.
The agency said the ongoing enforcement forms part of the state’s broader efforts to curb indiscriminate waste disposal, protect drainage infrastructure and ensure compliance with environmental regulations across Lagos.