Nigeria: 53-year-old woman sentenced to one month in jail for dumping refuse in Lagos drain

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Nigeria

A 53-year-old woman, Nelly Monday, has been sentenced to one month in prison after she was found guilty of dumping refuse into a drainage channel in Lagos State.

Monday was arrested in the Meiran area of Lagos on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, after she was allegedly caught disposing of waste in the drain during rainfall.

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

According to the agency, Monday was taken before the Magistrate Court sitting at Bolade, Oshodi, where she pleaded guilty to the offence.

Following her guilty plea, the court sentenced her to one month in prison.

LAWMA warned residents against disposing of waste indiscriminately, particularly in drainage channels and other unauthorised areas.

The authority said dumping refuse in drains is an environmental offence that can attract legal sanctions.

LAWMA also said it would continue working with relevant enforcement agencies to identify and punish environmental offenders across the state.

Residents were advised to dispose of their waste responsibly by using approved waste collection channels.

The latest prosecution comes as the Lagos State Government and environmental agencies intensify efforts to tackle indiscriminate waste disposal, especially activities that block drainage channels and worsen flooding.

LAWMA urged residents to comply with approved waste disposal regulations and keep refuse out of drains and other unauthorised locations.