The Ekiti State Government has intensified enforcement of environmental laws, warning that offenders will now face arrest and prosecution in a bid to tackle indiscriminate waste disposal.
As part of the ongoing crackdown, four individuals were arraigned on Wednesday before an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court over alleged improper waste disposal.
The defendants — Fausat Babalola, 48; Mustapha Basiriyu, 29; Jinadu Abubakar, 18; and Kolawole Deborah, 30 — were charged with unlawful dumping of refuse but pleaded not guilty.
Presenting the case, prosecutor ASP Akinwale Oriyomi told the court that the alleged offence took place around 8:00 a.m. on March 24 in Ado-Ekiti, accusing the defendants of disposing waste in a way deemed harmful to the environment.
He noted that the offence contravenes Section 30(1) and (2) of the Ekiti State Waste Management Authority Law, 2020, and requested a short adjournment to allow the prosecution prepare its case and witnesses.
Counsel to the defendants, however, sought bail on their behalf, assuring the court that they would not jump bail.
In his ruling, Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun granted each defendant bail in the sum of N50,000, with one surety in like amount.
The case has been adjourned until April 28 for hearing.
