The Lagos State Government says it has secured the conviction of two residents for indiscriminate dumping of refuse, as part of efforts to enforce environmental sanitation laws across the state.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this on Tuesday on X.

The defendants were arraigned before a Magistrates’ Court sitting in Bolade, Oshodi, on May 18 for offences relating to illegal waste disposal and environmental pollution.

Mr Wahab identified the convicts as Ibrahim Kashua and Kareem Sodiq.

He said they were arrested for indiscriminate dumping of refuse in violation of the state’s environmental sanitation laws.

According to him, the arrests are part of intensified enforcement operations aimed at curbing environmental abuse, illegal dumping, and other activities that endanger public health.

Mr Wahab said both defendants pleaded guilty to the charges preferred against them.

He said the court subsequently convicted and sentenced them to three months’ imprisonment each.

The commissioner said indiscriminate refuse dumping remained a major cause of blocked drainage channels, flooding and environmental pollution in many parts of Lagos, particularly during the rainy season.

He added that improper waste disposal also posed serious health risks through the spread of communicable diseases and environmental contamination.

Mr Wahab reiterated the state government’s commitment to maintaining a cleaner, safer environment and warned residents against acts that could undermine environmental sustainability efforts.

He added that anyone found violating environmental laws would face prosecution and other sanctions in line with existing regulations. 

(NAN)