The Oyo State Government has sustained its zero-tolerance stance on environmental offences as seventeen (17) offenders were arrested during late-night and early-morning enforcement operations for illegal waste disposal and open defecation across different parts of Ibadan.
Fifteen (15) of the offenders were apprehended for illegally dumping refuse on road medians, while two (2) others were arrested for engaging in open defecation, acts which violate existing environmental sanitation laws of the state.
The arrests were carried out by the Oyo State Environmental Response Rapid Squad in collaboration with Environmental Health Officers of the Oyo State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources. The operation was strategically conducted between late night and early morning hours, with some offenders arrested as early as 10:00 p.m. and others around 4:00 a.m., in a bid to curb the growing trend of nocturnal illegal dumping.
In line with the provisions of the Oyo State Environmental Sanitation and Waste Management Regulation (2013) and the Oyo State Environmental Law, Cap 173, all seventeen offenders were promptly arraigned before a Mobile Court sitting at the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Ibadan.
Presiding over the court proceedings, Justice Agbefarin found the offenders guilty as charged. Seven (7) of those arrested for illegal waste disposal on road medians were fined ₦50,000 each, while eight (8) others were fined ₦20,000 each. The two offenders arrested for open defecation were each fined ₦10,000.
Speaking after the trial, officials of the Ministry reiterated the unwavering commitment of the Oyo State Government to ensuring a clean, safe, and healthy environment for all residents. They warned that dumping refuse on road medians, open spaces, and drainage channels, as well as engaging in open defecation, would no longer be tolerated.
“The Oyo State Government remains resolute in enforcing environmental laws. Residents are urged to dispose of their waste properly and patronize only registered waste collectors. Enforcement operations will continue across the state,” the officials stated.
The Ministry further emphasized that surveillance and enforcement exercises would be intensified across all local government areas, assuring that offenders will continue to face the full weight of the law.
