The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has suspended a street sweeper from its sanitation operations following her alleged involvement in an assault on a female passerby at 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 maintained 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 medical attention, while the suspect was apprehended by members of the public and subsequently handed over to officers of the Nigeria Police Force at Ajiwe Police Station, where she remained in custody.

Dr. Gbadegesin said that 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 that might be considered appropriate.

He emphasised that the alleged conduct was entirely inconsistent with the values, code of conduct and professional standards expected of personnel engaged by the Authority.

The LAWMA boss assured the public that the Authority would continue to cooperate fully with the police to ensure that 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.

Dr. 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.

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