The Oyo State Environmental Mobile and Tribunal Court has convicted 13 individuals who were operating unlicensed diesel sales businesses along the Toll gate axis of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway. The court ordered each convict to pay a fine of ₦200,000 or face a five-year prison term for engaging in hazardous waste-generating activities without proper authorization.
According to a statement from the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, the judgment was delivered at the premises of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) in Ibadan.
The Presiding Judge, Jubreel Adio, emphasized that selling diesel and petroleum products without proper permits constitutes a serious environmental and safety hazard, which attracts significant penalties under Oyo State Environmental Laws and Regulations.
"The defendants admitted to operating without the necessary approvals and pleaded for leniency. However, ignorance of the law is not an excuse," Judge Adio stated.
The court showed some leniency to the offenders, reducing the standard penalty from ₦5 million to ₦200,000 each, considering they were first-time violators who appeared to be ordinary traders. However, the judge warned that repeat offenders would face the full weight of the law without any leniency.
In an unusual arrangement, two community leaders, Mr. Olalere Hassan and Mr. Saheed Folarin, volunteered as sureties for the convicted individuals. Hassan deposited documents of his silver 2006 Toyota RAV4 (registered as LLD 587JQ) as collateral until all fines are fully paid. The judge made it clear that these sureties would be held liable if the fines remain unpaid.
The tribunal reiterated that its primary purpose is not punitive but to enforce compliance with environmental regulations and ensure public safety. Judge Adio noted that similar offenders had previously been fined up to ₦1 million each, emphasizing that the court exists to uphold the law rather than for extortion.
"Today, you're fortunate. Next time, you may not meet a lenient judge," the judge cautioned the convicts.
This case highlights the Oyo State government's commitment to enforcing environmental regulations, particularly regarding the unauthorized sale of petroleum products, which poses significant safety risks to communities.
Stay updated with more news from Oyo State and across Nigeria. Follow BenriNews on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and Telegram.
