Lagos Court Arraigns 7 Over Assault on LAWMA Officers 

Seven individuals have been brought before the Special Offences (Mobile) Court in the Ikeja Magisterial District of Lagos State over an alleged assault of officials of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) during an environmental enforcement exercise.

The defendants: Olamilekan Abdullahi, 21; Akeem Olamilekan, 24; Frank Tom, 25; Sakiru Jamiu, 20; Emmanuel Abiodun, 41; Olarewanju Onyowale, 35; and Taiwo Yusuf, 30—were arrested by LAWMA enforcement officers on March 8, 2026. The arrest took place around the Moshalashi Jimoh area of Lagos Island during routine monitoring aimed at curbing indiscriminate waste disposal.

They were subsequently arraigned on March 10, 2026, in the case titled Attorney General of Lagos State v. Olamilekan Abdullahi & 6 Others.

According to the prosecution, the defendants are facing five charges, including conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, dumping refuse at an unauthorised site, failure to subscribe to an approved Private Sector Participant (PSP) waste operator, obstructing public officers while performing their duties, and assault.

When the charges were read in court, all seven defendants pleaded not guilty.

The court adjourned the case until April 24, 2026, for trial. Each of the defendants was granted bail set at N200,000 with two sureties. One surety must be a recognised community leader, while the other must be a relative who is gainfully employed.

Until the bail requirements are met, the defendants will remain in custody at a correctional facility.

Meanwhile, LAWMA has cautioned members of the public that obstructing or attacking its enforcement personnel is a serious violation under Lagos State law. The agency reiterated that any action capable of hindering environmental enforcement efforts will be addressed through appropriate legal measures.