Lagos – Seven individuals have been charged in a Special Offences (Mobile) Court in Ikeja for allegedly attacking staff of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) while officers were enforcing environmental laws.
The Lagos State government confirmed that the defendants—Olamilekan Abdullahi (21), Akeem Olamilekan (24), Frank Tom (25), Sakiru Jamiu (20), Emmanuel Abiodun (41), Olarewanju Onyowale (35), and Taiwo Yusuf (30)—were apprehended on March 8 at Moshalashi Jimoh, Lagos Island. LAWMA officials were on routine rounds to monitor illegal dumping activities.
The case, officially titled Attorney General of Lagos State v. Olamilekan Abdullahi & 6 Others, was brought before the court on March 10, 2026. The prosecution presented a five-count charge including conduct likely to cause breach of peace, indiscriminate dumping of refuse at unapproved locations, failure to engage approved Private Sector Participant (PSP) waste operators, obstruction of officers, and assault.
All seven defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the trial was adjourned to April 24, 2026. Each suspect was granted bail of N200,000, contingent upon providing two sureties: a recognized community leader and a relative with steady employment. Until the bail conditions are met, they will remain in a correctional facility.
LAWMA emphasized that assaulting or obstructing enforcement personnel is a serious offence under Lagos State law. The agency warned that anyone attempting to impede officers carrying out their duties would face strict legal action. “Obstruction or assault of enforcement personnel constitutes a serious offence under the laws of Lagos State,” the statement said, noting that such actions undermine environmental enforcement operations.
This case highlights the challenges LAWMA faces in enforcing environmental regulations across Lagos and underscores the state’s commitment to maintaining public safety and sanitation.
