The Oyo State Environmental Mobile and Tribunal Court, on Monday, convicted 13 individuals for operating unlicensed diesel sales businesses in the Toll Gate axis in Ibadan, the state capital, without permits from relevant regulatory authorities.
The presiding Judge, Adio Jubreel, announced this during the proceeding held at the premises of the state Road Traffic Management Authority in Ibadan, the state capital.
Jubreel said each defendant was fined ₦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.
The judge noted that the sale of diesel and petroleum products without proper authorisation poses significant environmental and safety hazards and attracts serious penalties under the 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.
“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 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.
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.
