The Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, has secured the conviction of 17 environmental offenders.
The offenders were arraigned before the Magistrate Court, Bolade for urinating and defecating in public spaces.
The offenders were apprehended by LAWMA operatives and charged before the court sitting at Bolade, Oshodi, for violating environmental sanitation laws.
In a statement by Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Water Resources and Environment, said the defendants were found guilty by the court.
According to him, the Magistrate sentenced each offender to one month imprisonment or an option of a ₦40,000 fine.
“Today, 17 environmental offenders apprehended by LAWMA operatives were arraigned before the Magistrate Court sitting at Bolade, Oshodi, for urinating and defecating in public places,” Wahab said.
The court found the defendants guilty and sentenced each offender to pay a fine of ₦40,000 or serve one month imprisonment,” he added.
According to the prosecution, the offenders were caught engaging in open urination and defecation, acts described as environmental risks that pose serious danger to public health.
Wahab said the ruling should serve as a warning to residents who still engage in such acts and endanger the public.
Open urination and defecation are environmental offences and serious public health risks,” he said, adding that Lagos State would continue to enforce sanitation laws to protect public health, preserve human dignity and maintain order in communities across the state.”
LAWMA also urged residents to take responsibility for their environment by using available public sanitation facilities and complying with environmental regulations.
“Cleanliness is a shared responsibility,” the agency stated, reaffirming its commitment to sustained enforcement and public sensitisation to keep Lagos clean and healthy.
