An Ogun State Magistrate Court sitting in Isabo, Abeokuta, has sentenced 14 people to two weeks imprisonment with an option of fine for illegal waste disposal.
The offenders were arraigned before the court on a two-count charge related to dumping refuse on public roads.
Those convicted 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.
According to the prosecutor, Sanitarian Abolaji Dasaolu, the offenders were arrested around 8 a.m. at Tekobo, Idi-Aba area of Abeokuta for dumping refuse on a public road.
Dasaolu told the court that the waste emitted offensive odours and attracted flies, creating health risks that could lead to the spread of diseases such as cholera.
He also explained that dumping refuse on roads and inside drainage channels could block waterways and increase the risk of flooding, thereby endangering lives and property.
The prosecutor said the offences violated the Public Health Law of Ogun State 2006 and Section 34(1) of the Ogun State Waste Management Authority Law 2020.
Delivering judgment, Justice O. Sam-Obaleye found all 14 offenders guilty and sentenced each of them to 14 days imprisonment with an option of paying a ₦10,000 fine on each count.
The judge also warned the convicts to maintain good behaviour and stop dumping waste in public places, stressing that anyone brought before the court again for a similar offence would face imprisonment without the option of a fine.
