Ogun court sentences 14 waste offenders to two weeks’ imprisonment
Fourteen Waste Offenders Sentenced in Ogun State Court
Abeokuta, Ogun State – The Magistrate Court sitting in Isabo sentenced fourteen individuals to two weeks’ imprisonment, with an option to pay a fine, for violations related to waste disposal on Monday.
The offenders, identified as Kareem Sherifat, Isiwat Ololade, Ojanuga Esther Usman Babatunde, Blessing John, Falodun Bukola, Agunbiade Titilayo, Oritogun Samson, Obasa Idowu, Solomon Adelani, Lateef Saidat, Taiwo Abimbola, Adeniyi Olayinka, and Precious Adeyeri, faced a two-count charge.
Sanitarian Abolaji Dasaolu, who prosecuted the case, reported that the offenders were apprehended at approximately 8 a.m. in the Tekobo area of Idi-Aba for illegally dumping refuse on a public road. Dasaolu expressed concerns about the public health risks associated with the refuse, noting that it emitted a foul odor, attracted flies, and posed a potential cholera threat.
He emphasized that improperly disposing of waste on public roads and in drains could obstruct waterways and increase the risk of flooding, which endangers both life and property. The charges were in violation of the Ogun State Public Health Law of 2006 and Section 34(1) of the Ogun State Waste Management Authority Law of 2020.
Judge O. Sam-Obaleye found all defendants guilty on both counts and imposed a sentence of fourteen days’ imprisonment or a fine of N10,000 for each count. The judge also admonished the offenders to adopt better waste disposal practices, warning that any repeat offenses would result in harsher penalties without the option of a fine.
