LAWMA SUSPENDS STREET SWEEPER OVER ALLEGED ASSAULT

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has suspended a street sweeper from its sanitation operations following her alleged involvement in the assault on a female passerby in the Abraham Adesanya area of Lagos State.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, described the incident as unfortunate and unacceptable, stressing that the authority maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards violence, misconduct and any behaviour capable of undermining public confidence in its operations.

Preliminary reports indicated that the incident occurred between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on Saturday following an altercation between the street sweeper and the passerby, which allegedly escalated into a physical confrontation.

The injured woman was immediately taken to a hospital for treatment, while 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.

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 ongoing police investigation and any further disciplinary measures considered appropriate.

He emphasised that the alleged conduct was wholly inconsistent with the authority’s values, code of conduct and professional standards expected of its personnel.

The LAWMA boss assured the public that the authority would continue to cooperate fully with the police to ensure the matter was thoroughly investigated and handled in accordance with the law.

He also expressed sympathy to the injured woman and wished her a speedy recovery.

Gbadegesin reaffirmed LAWMA’s commitment to professionalism, discipline and responsible public service, assuring residents that the authority would continue to uphold the highest standards of conduct in the discharge of its environmental sanitation responsibilities.