In a recent enforcement action by the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), a Nigerian woman identified as Ms. Amaka Onuchkwu was arrested in the early hours of the morning for attempting to illegally dump refuse at a public bus stop. The incident occurred at exactly 5:47 a.m. on Tuesday, 3 June 2025, at the Akesan bus stop along LASU-Iba Road in Lagos State.
The news of the arrest was first reported on X (formerly Twitter) by the Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, via his verified handle @muyiwag. According to his statement, the arrest was carried out by the LAWMA Waste Infractions Surveillance and Investigation Team during one of their routine early morning patrols aimed at curbing illegal waste disposal.
“At approximately 5:47 a.m. on Tuesday, 3 June 2025, @Lawma_gov Waste Infractions Surveillance and Investigation Team apprehended Ms. Amaka Onuchkwu while she was illegally off-loading refuse at the Akesan bus stop on LASU-Iba Road. This action violates Lagos State environmental regulations against indiscriminate dumping,” Gbadegesin stated.
He further revealed that LAWMA operatives documented the offense by capturing geo-tagged photos and videos of the illegal act, which were used as evidence. Ms. Onuchkwu was subsequently escorted to the Oshodi Environmental Taskforce Office for further investigation and processing.
Efforts to confirm the residential address of Ms. Onuchkwu proved unsuccessful, suggesting possible evasiveness or lack of proper documentation. The case file, along with the digital evidence gathered at the scene, has since been forwarded to the LAWMA legal unit for prosecution under the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law.
The incident quickly attracted public attention after it was posted online. The video clip and accompanying post sparked a wave of mixed reactions from Nigerians, with many weighing in on both the legality and fairness of the arrest. While some applauded LAWMA's enforcement actions, others criticized the government for inadequate waste disposal infrastructure and irregular collection services.
See some public reactions below:
@lagosboy5050: “This one now will be among people saying Lagos is smelling.”
@aderemiofficial: “And na dem dey Yan opata say Lagos is smelling, so na dem self they spoil the Lagos. Please make her a scapegoat, no peace for the wicked.”
@ICEMANKIZZY: “When she wakes she will say the place smells, when you bring people from a cave this is what you get.”
@luphemtech: “My question is why the Lagos State Waste Management no longer function? Imagine calling on the waste management officer why they have not come to Aboru Pipeline since January and he replied ‘that your area don comot for our list.’ In a sane environment does it sound well?”
@ougwuja: “I don’t understand so these people disposing waste on the street are not having waste bin in their houses?”
@Honyfactor25461: “You guys are funny 🤣 the waste trucks don’t show up, there are no waste bins strategically located in various spots in the area, but you are quick to arrest poor individual who go through the pain of bagging their refuse and trekking distances to dispose. Shame on you!”
WATCH VIDEO:
At approximately 5:47 a.m. on Tuesday, 3 June 2025, @Lawma_gov Waste Infractions Surveillance and Investigation Team apprehended Ms Amaka Onuchkwu while she was illegally off-loading refuse at the Akesan bus stop on LASU-Iba Road. This action violates Lagos State environmental… pic.twitter.com/IgvPhqAtxQ
— Muyiwa Gbadegesin, PhD (@muyiwag) June 3, 2025