The Lagos State Government has prosecuted 17 individuals for environmental offences involving public urination and defecation, underscoring its renewed enforcement of sanitation laws across the state.
The State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed the development on Thursday, stating that the offenders were arraigned before a Magistrate Court sitting at Bolade, Oshodi.
According to Wahab, the suspects were apprehended by operatives of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and charged with violating the state’s environmental laws by urinating and defecating in public places.
“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,” the commissioner said.
He added that the court found the defendants guilty and sentenced each of them to either pay a fine of N40,000 or serve one month in prison.
“The court found the defendants guilty and sentenced each offender to pay a fine of N40,000 or serve one month imprisonment,” Wahab stated.
The commissioner warned residents that open urination and defecation remain punishable offences in Lagos, describing the practices as serious public health risks.
“Let this serve as a clear reminder that open urination and defecation are environmental offences and serious public health risks. Lagos State will continue to enforce sanitation laws firmly to protect public health, preserve human dignity, and maintain order in our communities,” he said.
Wahab urged residents to make use of available public sanitation facilities and comply with environmental regulations, stressing that maintaining cleanliness is a collective responsibility.
“We urge residents to make use of available public sanitation facilities and comply with environmental regulations. Cleanliness is a shared responsibility,” he added.
