The Ekiti State Government has stepped up enforcement of environmental regulations, with offenders now facing arrest and prosecution as part of efforts to curb indiscriminate waste disposal.
In line with the crackdown, four individuals were on Wednesday brought before an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court over allegations of improper waste disposal.
The defendants; Fausat Babalola, 48; Mustapha Basiriyu, 29; Jinadu Abubakar, 18; and Kolawole Deborah, 30, were arraigned on charges bordering on unlawful dumping of refuse.
They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Presenting the case, the prosecutor, ASP Akinwale Oriyomi, told the court that the alleged offence occurred at about 8:00 a.m. on March 24 in Ado-Ekiti.
He accused the defendants of disposing of waste in a manner considered hazardous to the environment.
Oriyomi stated that the act contravenes Section 30(1) and (2) of the Ekiti State Waste Management Authority Law, 2020.
He urged the court to grant a short adjournment to allow the prosecution review the case file and prepare witnesses.
Counsel to the defendants, in response, appealed for bail, assuring the court that their clients would not abscond.
Ruling on the application, the Chief Magistrate, Abayomi Adeosun, admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of N50,000 each, with one surety in like sum.
The case was subsequently adjourned until April 28 for hearing.
Ekiti arraigns four over illegal waste disposal