By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has suspended a street sweeper from sanitation duties following her alleged involvement in an assault on a female passerby at the Abraham Adesanya area of Lagos State.
Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, described the incident as “unfortunate and unacceptable,” stressing that the Authority maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards violence and misconduct.
According to preliminary reports, the incident occurred between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on Saturday after an altercation between the sweeper and the passerby allegedly escalated into a physical confrontation.
The injured woman was taken to the hospital for medical attention. The suspect was apprehended by members of the public and handed over to officers of the Nigeria Police Force at Ajiwe Police Station, where she remains in custody.
Dr. Gbadegesin said LAWMA had taken immediate administrative action by withdrawing the operative’s uniform and suspending her from all street sanitation duties pending the outcome of the police investigation and any further disciplinary measures.
He noted that the alleged conduct was “entirely inconsistent with the values, code of conduct, and professional standards” expected of LAWMA personnel.
The LAWMA boss assured the public of full cooperation with the police to ensure a thorough investigation and expressed sympathy to the injured woman, wishing her a speedy recovery.
He reaffirmed LAWMA’s commitment to professionalism, discipline, and responsible public service in the discharge of its environmental sanitation responsibilities.
