An Ogun State Magistrate Court in Isabo, Abeokuta, has sentenced 14 people to two weeks’ imprisonment for dumping refuse on a public road.
The offenders were arraigned on a two-count charge of violating public health and waste management laws. They include 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.
Prosecuting sanitarian Abolaji Dasaolu told the court the group was arrested around 8 a.m. at Tekobo, Idi-Aba, for dumping waste on a public road. He said the refuse produced an offensive smell that attracted flies and posed a risk of spreading cholera.
He added that dumping waste on roads and drains can block waterways and increase the risk of flooding, endangering lives and property.
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Dasaolu stated that the offences contravened the Public Health Law of Ogun State 2006 and Section 34(1) of the Ogun State Waste Management Authority Law 2020.
Delivering judgement, Justice O. Sam-Obaleye found all 14 guilty and sentenced each to 14 days in prison or an option of a ₦10,000 fine per count.
She warned them to desist from dumping waste in public places, saying anyone re-arrested for the same offence would face jail time without the option of a fine.
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