Sexagenarian, 29 Others Bag Jail Term For Indiscriminate Refuse Dump In Osun

Toba Adedeji

An Osun State Magistrate Court sitting in Osogbo presided over by Mr. Ashiru Ayeni has sentenced a sexagenarian, Mrs Ayegbajeyi Rukayat and 29 others to Ilesha prison for dumping refuse on the streets of the State of Osun.

The 30 people who were convicted were dragged before the court on Tuesday on a count charge of environmental abuse.

Also convicted are;  Shittu Dorcas, 30yrs, Adepeju Adesina, 23yrs, Paulina Ona, 27yrs, Damilola Juwonlola, 34yrs, Ayeni Ridwane, 22yrs, Funmilola Kasali, 25yrs, Oluwaseun Oni, 27yrs,  Ajayi Janet, 31yrs,  Rufai Fatima, 38yrs, Oyeyemi Monsurat, 26yrs, Airat Aderibigbe, 29yrs, JimohbJelilat, 24yrs, Akeem Salisu 20yrs, Ajayi Janet, 26yrs, Rusikatu Oyejola, 30yrs, Amudat Aderibigbe, 36yrs, Ayo Adeyemi , 20yrs, Risikatu Oyejola ,24yrs, Joshua Oniyade, 33yrs, Oluwaseun Onibuki, 26yrs, Fatima Rufai, 31yrs, Risilatu Ayegbinle, 24yrs, Seun Ajayi, 37yrs, Bisi Olodan, 45yrs, Jimoh Jelilat,23yrs and Sabo Akeem, 20yrs. The rest are three teenagers namely; Hamzat Mutiu, 14yrs, Fakunle Ibikunle, 19yrs and Azeez Opeyemi ,17yrs.

The Prosecutor, Mr Femi Ogunbamiwo, told the court that the convicts committed the offense on Nov. 21 between 4:30a.m and 7:00a.m at different locations within Osogbo, the state capital.

Ogunbamiwo  explained that the convicts were caught in the act of indiscriminate refuse dump on the streets, apprehended by officers of the Osun Waste Management Agency (OWMA), before they were brought to the court with the help of other security agencies.

He hinted that the offense committed by the convicts contravened section 32 Vol. 11 cap 101 of the OSEPA law, 2002.

During the trial, non of the convicts had legal representatives and they all pleaded guilty to the charge of environmental abused preferred against them.

Delivering judgment the Chief Magistrate, Mr Ashiru Ayeni gave the sentenced them to one month in jail.

He however gave an option of N10,000 fine to each convict.