Lagos arrests mother over child’s alleged drainage waste disposal

The Lagos State Government has arrested a woman identified as Mrs. McCarthy for allegedly instructing her child to dispose of waste into a covered drainage channel. The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, announced the arrest, emphasizing that parents who encourage environmental violations will be prosecuted. The incident occurred at No. 56, Adaranijo Street, Pedro, Shomolu.

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Earlier today, we received a report that a woman identified as Mrs McCarthy, of No 56 Adaranijo Street, Pedro, Shomolu, allegedly encouraged her child to dispose of refuse into a covered drainage channel. Following the report, our enforcement officers promptly carried out an investigation, which led to her arrest for violating the State’s environmental laws.

Wahab stated that enforcement officers acted promptly after receiving a report from residents. The woman's alleged actions violate the state's environmental laws. "We expect every resident to act responsibly and to educate their children on the importance of protecting public infrastructure, particularly drainage systems," Wahab said. He stressed that encouraging actions that block drains and worsen environmental degradation is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

The commissioner highlighted that maintaining a clean and flood-resilient environment is a shared responsibility requiring collective action from all residents. He urged the public to dispose of waste properly and support efforts to keep Lagos clean. This arrest underscores the government's commitment to enforcing environmental regulations and promoting responsible behavior among citizens.

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We expect every resident to act responsibly and to educate their children on the importance of protecting public infrastructure, particularly drainage systems. Encouraging acts that contribute to blocked drains and environmental degradation is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

In related enforcement activities, the state has intensified efforts along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway to restore environmental order. Over the past three weeks, enforcement teams have been clearing shanties, illegal structures, and other nuisances. Wahab warned that sustained surveillance and continuous monitoring would follow this exercise to ensure environmental order is maintained. Offenders using public spaces for illegal markets or unauthorized activities will face prosecution.

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A clean, safe, and flood-resilient environment is a shared responsibility. We urge all residents to dispose of waste properly and support the collective effort to keep Lagos clean.