…says erring sellers risk five-year jail term
The Oyo State Environmental Mobile and Tribunal Court has convicted 13 individuals for operating unlicensed diesel sales businesses along the Toll Gate axis of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway without permits from relevant regulatory authorities.
A Special Taskforce set up by the Oyo State Government to get rid of shanties and other sorts of illegalities on major roads in the State last week busted a diesel black market on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, apprehending 16 individuals in the process.
The Task Force recovered four drums of diesel, 17 kegs of various capacities.
However, the mobile Court, on Monday, fined each defendant ₦200,000 or, in default, faces a five-year prison term for engaging in hazardous waste-generating activities in violation of the State’s environmental laws.
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Jubreel Adio, Presiding Judge delivering judgment at the premises of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), Ibadan, noted that the sale of diesel and petroleum products without proper authorisation poses significant environmental and safety hazards and attracts serious 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,” the judge said
While the standard penalty for the offence is ₦5 million or a five-year prison term, the Court exercised discretion, considering the offenders were first-time violators and appeared to be ordinary traders. A reduced fine of ₦200,000 was imposed on each as a warning.
“Let this serve as a deterrent to others. Should any of the defendants reappear before this tribunal, they will face the full weight of the law without leniency”, Jubreel warned.
As part of a goodwill arrangement, community leaders Olalere Taiwo Hassan and Saheed Folarin volunteered as sureties for the convicted individuals.
Hassan deposited the vehicle documents of his silver 2006 Toyota RAV4 (Registration Number: LLD 587 JQ) as collateral.
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The documents will be held by the Ministry of Environment until all fines are fully paid.
The presiding judge further emphasised that the sureties would be held liable should the fines remain unpaid.
He concluded by reiterating that the tribunal’s purpose is not to punish unnecessarily but to enforce compliance, safeguard the environment and ensure public safety.
“We’ve previously fined similar offenders up to ₦1 million each. This court is not an avenue for extortion, but to uphold the law. Today, you’re fortunate. Next time, you may not meet a lenient judge,” he said.
