Ogun State indiscriminate waste disposal: Court sentences eight offenders to community service

|By Adejumo Adekunle – Ogun State indiscriminate waste disposal offenders have been sentenced to community service after a magistrate court in Abeokuta found eight residents guilty of illegally dumping waste on public roads.

The offenders, six women and two men, were arrested on Friday morning between 6:15 a.m. and 8:05 a.m. while disposing of waste at Isale-Igbein, Car Wash and Abiola Way in the Abeokuta Magisterial District.

During the trial, prosecutor and Medical Officer of Health at the Ogun State Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA), Kehinde Ogunsola, told the court that the waste created offensive odours and attracted flies capable of spreading diseases such as cholera.

He also argued that indiscriminate dumping contributes to flooding and threatens lives and property. According to him, the offence violates the Public Health Law of Ogun State, 2006, and Section 34(1) of the Ogun State Waste Management Authority Law, 2020.

Delivering judgment, Magistrate A.K. Araba convicted the eight offenders and ordered them to carry out community service within the court premises.

Furthermore, the court directed that photographs of the offenders performing the service should be displayed on the court’s notice board. The magistrate warned that any repeat offender would face imprisonment without the option of a fine.

Reacting to the ruling, OGWAMA Managing Director and Special Adviser to the Governor, Farouk Adeniyi Akintunde, praised the judiciary for supporting efforts to end Ogun State indiscriminate waste disposal.

He pledged to strengthen enforcement operations across the state. In addition, he urged residents to use approved waste managers instead of dumping refuse on roads and in public places.

Authorities say the judgment will serve as a deterrent and reinforce campaigns against Ogun State indiscriminate waste disposal.