Ogun Court jails 14 waste offenders, offers option of fine for environmental violations

The Ogun State Magistrate Court sitting in Isabo, Abeokuta, has sentenced 14 individuals to 14 days imprisonment each, with an option of fine, for offences related to improper waste disposal in the state capital.

The convicted persons 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 that the offenders were arrested around 8:00 a.m. at Tekobo, Idi-Aba area of Abeokuta Magisterial District.

He explained that they were caught dumping refuse on public roads, a practice that produced offensive odours, attracted flies, and created conditions capable of spreading diseases such as cholera.

According to him, the actions also involved blocking public drains with refuse, which could lead to flooding and pose risks to lives and property.

READ ALSO: Ogun declares full recovery of students, teachers affected by Ijebu-Ode gas leak

The offences were said to be contrary to the Public Health Law of Ogun State 2006 and Section 34(1) of the Ogun State Waste Management Authority Law 2020.

Delivering judgment, Magistrate O. Sam-Obaleye found all the defendants guilty on the two-count charge.

She sentenced each of them to 14 days imprisonment on each count, with an option of a ₦10,000 fine per count.

The magistrate also issued a strong warning, urging the convicts to desist from indiscriminate waste disposal and maintain proper environmental hygiene.

She cautioned that any of them brought back before the court for a similar offence in future would be sentenced without the option of a fine.

The ruling reflects ongoing enforcement efforts by environmental and sanitation authorities in Ogun State to curb indiscriminate waste dumping and improve public health standards in urban areas.

Officials say such prosecutions are intended to serve as deterrence, particularly in densely populated communities where improper waste management continues to pose public health and flooding risks.