17 Arraigned in Lagos Court for Urinating and Defecating in Public Places

Seventeen environmental offenders have been brought before a Magistrate Court in Lagos after being apprehended for urinating and defecating in public spaces, an act the state government considers a threat to public health and urban order. The arraignment took place on Wednesday at the Magistrate Court sitting in Bolade, Oshodi, following an enforcement operation carried out by officials of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA).

According to the authorities, the suspects were arrested during routine environmental sanitation monitoring across different parts of the metropolis. The operation forms part of the Lagos State Government’s broader campaign to curb environmental degradation, promote hygiene, and improve the overall cleanliness of Africa’s most populous city.

At the court session, the Magistrate found all 17 defendants guilty of violating environmental sanitation laws. Each offender was sentenced to either pay a fine of ₦40,000 or serve a one-month jail term. The judgment was aimed at sending a strong message to residents that open urination and defecation will no longer be tolerated in Lagos.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, emphasized that such acts are not only environmental offences but also major public health hazards. He noted that indiscriminate disposal of human waste contributes to the spread of diseases, contaminates public spaces, and undermines human dignity.

“Let this serve as a clear reminder that open urination and defecation are environmental offences and serious public health risks,” Wahab said in a statement shared via his official social media account. “Lagos State will continue to enforce sanitation laws firmly to protect public health, preserve human dignity, and maintain order in our communities.”

The commissioner further urged residents to take responsibility for their environment by making use of available public sanitation facilities and complying with existing environmental regulations. He stressed that maintaining a clean city is a collective duty that requires the cooperation of both government and citizens.

The arraignment has since sparked mixed reactions among members of the public. While some Lagos residents applauded the government’s tough stance, describing it as necessary to tackle the city’s long-standing sanitation challenges, others questioned the priorities of the authorities. Critics argued that enforcement should be matched with adequate provision of public toilets, especially in densely populated and commercial areas where access to sanitation facilities remains limited.

Several commentators also raised concerns about social inequality, pointing out that poverty and lack of infrastructure often force vulnerable individuals to resort to such acts. Others, however, maintained that regardless of circumstances, public defecation and urination should not be excused, as they negatively affect millions of residents who share the same urban space.

Supporters of the enforcement drive insist that Lagos cannot aspire to be a modern megacity while tolerating practices that degrade its environment. They argue that consistent application of the law, alongside sustained public education and infrastructure development, is essential for lasting change.

The Lagos State Government, through agencies such as Lagos Waste Management Authority, has repeatedly reaffirmed its commitment to building a cleaner and healthier city under its “Cleaner Lagos” initiative. Officials say enforcement exercises will continue across the state, warning that offenders will face legal consequences irrespective of status or location.

As Lagos continues to grapple with rapid population growth and urban pressure, the government insists that strict sanitation enforcement, combined with improved facilities and civic responsibility, remains key to safeguarding public health and enhancing the quality of life for residents.