By Ado Oyeyemi
The Ogun State Magistrate Court sitting in Isabo, Abeokuta, on Monday convicted and sentenced 14 residents for indiscriminate waste disposal in parts of the state capital.
The offenders were handed a two-week jail term with an option of fine after being found guilty of dumping refuse on public roads.
Those convicted include Kareem Sherifat, Isiwat Ololade, Ojanuga Esther, Usman Babatunde, Blessing John, Falodun Bukola and Agunbiade Titilayo. Others are Oritogun Samson, Obasa Idowu, Solomon Adelani, Lateef Saidat, Taiwo Abimbola, Adeniyi Olayinka and Precious Adeyeri.
Prosecuting counsel, Sanitarian Abolaji Dasaolu, told the court that the offenders were apprehended around 8 a.m. at Tekobo, Idi-Aba area within the Abeokuta Magisterial District for allegedly dumping refuse on a public road.
Dasaolu explained that the waste generated offensive odour and attracted flies capable of spreading diseases such as cholera, thereby posing serious health risks to residents.
He further stated that indiscriminate disposal of refuse on roads and drainage channels could obstruct water passages and increase the risk of flooding, endangering lives and property.
According to him, the offences contravened the Public Health Law of Ogun State, 2006, as well as Section 34(1) of the Ogun State Waste Management Authority Law, 2020.
In her judgment, Magistrate O. Sam-Obaleye found all the defendants guilty on the two-count charge and sentenced each of them to 14 days imprisonment with an option of N10,000 fine on each count.
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The magistrate also warned the convicts against future violations, stressing that anyone brought before the court again for similar offences would face stricter punishment without the option of fine.
