Refuse Dumping: 53-Year-Old Woman Bags 1 Month Jail Term In Lagos

A 53-year-old woman, Nelly Monday, has been sentenced to one month in prison for disposing of refuse in 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 dumping waste into a drainage channel while it was raining.

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) disclosed the development in a statement issued on Thursday.

According to the authority, Monday was taken before the Magistrate Court sitting in Bolade, Oshodi, where she pleaded guilty to the environmental offence.

LAWMA said the court subsequently convicted and sentenced her to one month in prison.

The statement said, “Nelly Monday, 53, who was arrested in Meiran on Wednesday, 9 September 2026 for dumping in the drains during the rain has been convicted of the offence.

“She was arraigned before the Magistrate Court sitting at Bolade, Oshodi, where she pleaded guilty to the offence and was sentenced to one month in prison.”

The authority warned Lagos residents against indiscriminate disposal of waste, particularly the practice of throwing refuse into drainage channels or leaving it at locations not approved for waste disposal.

LAWMA stressed that improper waste disposal constitutes an environmental violation and that offenders could face legal sanctions.

“The Authority will continue to work with relevant enforcement agencies to identify and sanction environmental offenders across Lagos.

“Residents are urged to dispose of their waste responsibly and through approved channels,” the statement added.

The latest prosecution is part of ongoing efforts by the Lagos State Government and environmental enforcement agencies to tackle indiscriminate waste disposal across the state.

Authorities have repeatedly warned that the dumping of refuse in drainage channels can block the free flow of stormwater, worsening flooding during periods of heavy rainfall.

LAWMA therefore urged residents to use approved waste disposal channels and desist from dumping refuse in drains and other unauthorised areas.