A 53-year-old woman, Nelly Monday, has been sentenced to one month in prison after she was convicted of dumping refuse into a drainage channel in Lagos during rainfall.
Monday was arrested in Meiran, Lagos, on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, for allegedly disposing of refuse in the drain while it was raining.
She was subsequently 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 Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) announced the conviction in a statement issued on Thursday as the state intensifies enforcement against indiscriminate waste disposal.
LAWMA said Monday’s arrest followed her alleged act of dumping waste in the drainage channel during rainfall.
“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,” the authority said.
“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 conviction highlights the growing enforcement pressure on residents who dispose of refuse in drainage channels and other unauthorised locations across Lagos.
Such practices can obstruct the movement of stormwater through drainage systems, potentially worsening flooding during heavy rainfall.
LAWMA warned residents that indiscriminate waste disposal is an environmental offence that attracts sanctions under the law.
The authority said it would continue working with relevant enforcement agencies to identify and sanction environmental offenders across Lagos.
“The Authority will continue to work with relevant enforcement agencies to identify and sanction environmental offenders across Lagos,” LAWMA said.
It urged residents to dispose of their waste responsibly by using approved waste disposal channels.
“Residents are urged to dispose of their waste responsibly and through approved channels,” the authority added.
Monday’s conviction comes amid renewed efforts by the Lagos State Government and environmental authorities to curb indiscriminate waste disposal, particularly the dumping of refuse in drains and other locations capable of obstructing water channels.
LAWMA reiterated its appeal to residents to comply with approved waste disposal procedures and avoid using drainage channels as dumping grounds.
